EQ 4 - 2.10a , 2.11a - glacial and periglacial landscapes have intrinsic , cultural ,economic and environmental value Flashcards
What is the cultural value of Greenland ?
They utilise the glacial landscape to maintain their traditional lifestyle of hunting,fishing and heading but now live in modern houses with appliances but this is increasingly threatened by environmental groups.
Greenlands ice also possess immense value for scientific research. As it has many layers of snow and ice that has formed over million of years
What is the economic value of Greenland
Meltwater provides a huge potential for hydroelectric power - the country is thought to have the worlds biggest unexploited hydropower capacity.
In addition as the ice retreats it’s revealing highly valuable deposits of oil,gas,metals and minerals including rubies and gold.
Plus tourism also offers another area of economic growth for Greenland
What is the environmental value of Greenland ?
The land and waters of Greenland support a fragile biodiversity of plants.
The Greenland ice sheet contains approximately 10 per cent of the total global ice mass so it plays a role in the water cycle the ipcc reported that the average rate of ice Loss from Greenland had increased. This means that the Greenland ice sheet contributed 0.33m per year to global mean sea level.
Also pays a role in global climate via feedback cycles. Ice has a high albedo, which means it reflects more solar radiation than land.
Greenlands ice also possess immense value for scientific research. As it has many layers of snow and ice that has formed over million of years
What are the human threats to Greenland
Hunting culture is ruined by environmental groups and modern culture
Economic exploitation with increased industrial activity such as oil and gas exploration
What are physical threats to Greenland
Loss of sea ice is reducing hunting grounds
Sea level rise
What are the cultural value in the Yamal Penisula
Nentes understanding of the harsh climate and fragile ecosystem has enabled them to live sustainably in this inhospitable land. The reindeer provide them with transport,clothing,hides for tents, meat and income.
What are the economic values in the Yamal peninsula
The Nenets herder economy is driven by the reindeer meat they sell. Reindeer hearding supports more than 10,000 nomads, who herd over 300,000 domesticated reindeer.
The peninsula contains one of the biggest gas reserves on the planet, holding almost a quarter of the worlds known gas reserves.
There is now increasing investment and infrastructure development for the large scale exploitation
What are the environmental values in the Yamal peninsula
The biodiversity of the tundra biome is low but it has global value. Particularly for birds as it provides a summer home and thus plays a role in worldwide food webs.
The permafrost also has value as it plays a role in large scale carbon sink storing immense amount of carbon and methane.
What are some of the physical threats of Yamal peninsula
Climate change posses a threat as earlier spring melts and delays to the autumn freeze are affecting the reindeers and herders ability to cross the frozen tundra, threatening their survival
What are some of the human threats of Yamal peninsula
Attempts to exploit gas in the Yamal peninsula have posed considerable threats to both the natural environment and the nenets.
The Yamal is now part of a project by Gasprom being developed to exploit and bring vast natural gas reserves.
What are the cultural values in the Lake District
Lake District designated as one of the uks first national parks
What are the economic values in the Lake District
Over 16 million visitors arrive in the Lake District every year so many services benefit through tourists.
The local economy benefits from this influx as visitors spend 1.1 billion.
What are the environmental values of the Lake District
Farming,water storage and forestry.
The land surrounding thirlmere is forested. This reduces soil erosion and also generates income from selling the timber.
The dam was constructed by Manchester corporation in the late nineteenth century to provide water for the city’s expanding population. But before the reservoir was built this glacial valley contained two small tarns and a small hamlet with a pub submerged the tarns and settlement.
What are the physical threats to the Lake District
Climate change - the loss of indigenous plant and animal species and a increase in a non native species and the gradual movement of habitats from lower to higher altitudes and increase in insect species and that heavy rain fall will wash more soil and farm chemicals into the lakes - causing siltation and eutrophication
What are the human threats to the Lake District?
Footpath erosion - there is almost 2000 miles of footpaths and rights of way in the Lake District. As walkers destroy vegetation and compact the soil,which reduce infiltration rates.
