Glaciated Landscapes: How Are Glaciated Landscapes Used And Managed Today Flashcards
(19 cards)
What significant values do glaciated landscapes have?
They provide scientific research, tourist locations, wilderness and biodiversity, recreation, and have spiritual and religious associations.
The Himalayan glaciers, for example, are of great value to local Buddhists and religious groups due to their sublime power.
What are some economic opportunities provided by glaciated landscapes?
Farming, mining, hydroelectric power, tourism, and forestry.
These opportunities lead to job creation.
How many tourists visit the Chamonix Valley annually?
5 million tourists per year.
How many seasonal jobs does the tourist industry create in the Chamonix Valley?
2500 jobs seasonally.
What type of biodiversity is found in glaciated landscapes?
Unique biodiversity, including tundra with no trees and permanently frozen soils.
What are the natural hazards that threaten glaciated landscapes?
Glacial floods and avalanches.
What human activities can worsen natural hazards in glaciated landscapes?
Tourism can trigger avalanches, leading to injuries and deaths.
What was the outcome of the 1999 avalanche in the Chamonix Valley?
It killed 12 tourists.
What is the greatest threat to glaciated landscapes?
Climate change.
How does climate change affect glaciers?
It interferes with the mass balance of glaciers, speeding up melting and increasing flood risks.
What can melting glaciers release that poses a risk?
Freshwater which can become polluted.
What human activities threaten glaciated landscapes?
Leisure and tourism, reservoir construction, and urbanisation.
What environmental issues arise from human activity in glaciated landscapes?
Soil erosion, trampling, landslides, and deforestation.
What effect does deforestation have on glaciated landscapes?
It reduces resilience, increasing the likelihood of avalanches or floods reaching populated areas.
What is needed for effective management of threats to glaciated landscapes?
Involvement of a variety of stakeholders to create policies that favor everyone’s needs.
What is an example of a global policy to preserve a glaciated area?
The global policy to preserve Antarctica for scientific research only.
What conflict can arise from legislative frameworks protecting glaciated landscapes?
Total conservation may lead to job losses for tourists and companies.
What is the outlook for managing climate change risks in glaciated landscapes?
It is extremely difficult and requires involvement from all scales and players.
True or False: Radical approaches to managing threats to glaciated landscapes are likely to be welcomed by the masses.
False.
