Cold environments P1 Flashcards
How many people visit Alaska annually?
Alaska gets around 2 million visitors coming in every year.
Name 4 opportunities in Alaska
Lots of wildlife, a large fishing industry, mineral extraction and oil extraction.
How many jobs does the fishing industry bring to Alaska?
Alaska’s fishing industry provides around 78,000 jobs.
How much is the fishing industry worth to Alaska?
Alaska’s fishing industry is worth $6 billion.
How does lots of wildlife benefit Alaska?
It brings tourism to Alaska as people want to experience the wildlife and this generates lots of income for Alaska which can be used for developing the country.
What ores are mined in Alaska?
Copper, silver and gold
How much does mineral extraction benefit Alaska?
Mineral extraction contributes to 1/5 of Alaska’s wealth.
Where are the most oil rigs found in Alaska?
The most oil rigs are found in the North of Alaska, specifically Prudhoe Bay.
How is oil transported through Alaska?
Oil is transported through the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline from the oil rigs at Prudhoe Bay all the way down to the ship docks at Valdez, where the oil is then transported to the USA and other countries.
How was the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline constructed?
The Trans-Alaskan Pipeline was built on stilts so that it does not subside into the ground. The Trans-Alaskan Pipeline was also built in a zigzag pattern so that it can outlast earthquakes.
Name 3 challenges in Alaska.
Extreme temperatures, very little daylight hours and inaccessibility
How do very little daylight hours and extreme temperatures affect Alaska?
Extreme temperatures and little daylight hours limit tourism because people won’t want to stay in such a cold area. It also slows down productivity, such as building infrastructure.
How cold does it usually get during a winter in Alaska?
Alaska’s temperature during winter can average from -18°C to -35°C.
Why is building infrastructure usually slow and unproductive in Alaska?
Building infrastructure is usually slow and unproductive in Alaska because of the extreme temperatures and the floor is usually frozen.
How do buildings subside into the ground?
The active (top) layer of ice, above permafrost, melts during the summer months which makes buildings subside into the ground if not built properly.
