Cold Environments Flashcards
(10 cards)
Characteristics of polar environments
Winter temperature below -50
Permanently covered in ice and soils and permanently frozen
How are polar bears adapted to the polar environment
They have thick fur, an insulating layer of fat with a black nose and foot pads to absorb sunshine
Tundra characteristics
Winter temperatures around -20
Brief summers quite warm
Low bushes and small trees maybe in warmer regions
Soils are frozen but will melt in summer
Soils generally infertile
How does the bearberry adapted for the tundra environment
Very low growing for strong winds
Stems have thick bark for wind
Bright red berries eaten by birds and owls which helps distribute the seeds
Hair stems help retain heat
Worst thing that can happen in cold environments
Oil spill
Why do cold environments need to be protected
Home to many animals and plants such as polar bears, artic fox and many species of tundra vegetation.
Important for scientific research such as on climate change
Provide opportunities for fishing
Beauty and potential for adventures attracts tourists
What is used to reduce the risk to cold environments
The use of technology such as the Trans Alaskan pipeline
The work or conservation groups
Action by governments
Why do people think cold environments should be protected as wilderness area
They are fragile and easily damaged by economic activity
Rate plants and animals will be protected
Why do people think cold environments should not be protected as wilderness areas
They are rich in resources such as oils, minerals, fish and timber
Over 4 million people live in the Arctic
Technology now allows cold environments to be exploited with less impact
What is a wilderness area
A wild and unspoiled area unaffected by human activity
