Human Impacts On Cold Environments Flashcards
(16 cards)
What are 2 things that make polar regions important for scientific research?
• Thinner atmosphere makes them ideal for astronomical and upper atmosphere research.
• Sensitive to climate change, providing key insights into global warming.
What are some 2 spiritual and religious associations with cold environments?
• Buddhists in Tibet place prayer flags on mountains.
• Inuit people in the Arctic have ancient myths linked to the landscape.
What are the 2 ways in which glaciated landscapes used for recreation?
• Skiing in the Alps has become a major winter tourism industry.
• Polar trekking & extreme sports are increasing in popularity (e.g., Antarctica cruises).
What are the 3 ways in which Iceland economically benefit from its glaciated landscape?
• Fishing is a major industry due to limited farming.
• Hydroelectric & geothermal energy power aluminium smelters.
• Tourism has increased, with landscapes featured in TV and films (e.g., Game of Thrones).
What are the 3 ways does Snowdonia (Wales) benefit economically from its glaciated landscape?
• Upland sheep farming provides income.
• Coniferous plantations create an alternative revenue stream.
• Tourism supports hiking, mountain biking, and year-round recreation.
What are the 2 natural threats that exist in glaciated landscapes?
• Avalanches increase as more skiers explore extreme terrain.
• Glacial outburst floods (jökulhlaups) occur due to geothermal heating or volcanic eruptions. (E.g. 1996 Grímsvötn eruption under Vatnajökull Glacier caused flooding at 50,000 m³/sec)
What are the 4 ways in which human activity threatens glaciated environments?
• Tourism infrastructure (ski resorts, roads) damages fragile ecosystems.
• Deforestation causes soil erosion and landslides.
• Dam construction alters hydrology.
• Increased vehicle use raises air pollution.
What are the 3 ways in which global warming threaten glaciated landscapes?
• Melting glaciers & ice sheets cause sea level rise.
• Meltwater changes river flow, increasing flood risks and disrupting HEP schemes.
• Thawing permafrost destabilises landscapes and releases methane, worsening climate change.
Who are the 4 key stakeholders in glacial conservation?
• Conservationists: Lobby for environmental protection.
• Governments: Pass legislation to protect fragile landscapes.
• NGOs: Work to protect ecosystems and indigenous communities.
• Global organisations: Monitor international climate agreements.
What are some 3 approaches to managing threats in cold environments?
• Protection: Creating wilderness reserves (e.g., Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska).
• Sustainable management: Balancing conservation with human needs (Peak District, UK).
• Multiple economic use: Allowing controlled tourism (e.g., Iceland’s Blue Lagoon).
What are the 2 international agreements on climate change affecting glaciated areas?
• Kyoto Protocol & COP21 aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Paris Agreement: Goal to limit global temperature rise to below 2°C by 2100.
What are the 2 reasons why polar and glaciated regions have low biodiversity?
• Harsh conditions limit plant growth (mostly tundra vegetation like mosses and lichens).
• Seasonal migration: Caribou and reindeer migrate seasonally for food.
What are the way that glaciated landscapes impact the global water cycle?
• Store large amounts of water in glaciers and ice sheets so if it melts, it increases the amount of water in the hydrological cycle
How do cold environments contribute to the carbon cycle in 3 ways?
• High albedo (ice reflects 90% of solar radiation), helping cool the Earth.
• Permafrost and peatlands store large amounts of carbon and methane.
• Thawing permafrost releases greenhouse gases, worsening global warming.
What are the 3 characteristics of tundra vegetation?
• Low-growing plants (e.g., cotton grass, mosses, dwarf shrubs).
• Shallow roots due to permafrost.
• Cushion-like shape protects from strong winds.
What are the 4 climatic conditions of the tundra?
• Hottest month: -10°C
• Coldest month: Below -18°C (warmer on Arctic coasts).
• Precipitation <300mm/year, mostly as snow.
• Low humidity due to high-pressure systems.
