2.b Arctic Tundra

Question 1

Arctic Tundra facts

Answer 1

• 200mm of precipitation a year
• arctic amplification
• mainly in Canada, Alaska, Greenland
• 2 clear seasons (summer and winter)

Question 2

Water (temps)

Answer 2

• negative heat balance
• low absolute humidity
• reflects more than its absorbs
• freezing for 9 months of the year

Question 3

Water (rock permability)

Answer 3

• igneous and metamorphic rocks in Alaska
• little geology
• lack of a groundwater store
• no infiltration

Question 4

Water (relief)

Answer 4

• waterlogged in summer
• poor drainage
• gently sloping or float relief

Question 5

Carbon ( vegetation)

Answer 5

• NPP = 200g/m squared / yr
• limited growth annually
• waterlogged condition reduced decomposition rates
• only a 2 month growing season

Question 6

Carbon (temps)

Answer 6

• average temp = -15 degrees
• low temps annually
• rarely gets above freezing
• increased decomposition in the summer due to increased temps which increases the transfer of carbon from the biosphere and atmosphere

Question 7

Carbon ( mineral composition or rocks)

Answer 7

• impermeable
• mainly permafrost
• hard to weather
• lack nutrients which reduces growth

Question 8

Seasonal Changes (winter)

Answer 8

-permafrost remain frozen
- acts as an impermeable layer
- lack of growing of vegetation
- prevents infiltration and percolation (reduces soil moisture)
-snow falls in winter
-server condition ( explains low growth)

Question 9

Seasonal Changes (summer)

Answer 9

• short growing season
• increase in standing waters in the form f lakes
• increased evapotranspiration rates
• reduces precipitation
• vegetation that does grow is very low to the ground
• longer daylight hours
• thaws the active layer of the permafrost

Question 10

Gas and Oil industry

Answer 10

• North Slope Alaska (Prudhoe bay) - started in 1968
• due to growing demand and profit made off it
• political factors

Question 11

Impact of the industry on the climate

Answer 11

• fragile wildlife
• poor accessibility
• harsh climate
• darkness period increases

Question 12

Gas and Oil industry (water)

Answer 12

• increased likelihood of flooding
• damage to drainage networks

Question 13

Gas and Oil Industry (carbon)

Answer 13

• destruction of vegetation store
• permafrost is damaged
• road construction increases melting
• oil spillages

Question 14

Management Strategies (insulation pads)

Answer 14

• reduce heat transfer
• include in building codes
• keeps permafrost stable

Question 15

Management Strategies (raised pipes and buildings)

Answer 15

• build buildings on stilts
• reduce heat transfer and disruption to natural cycles
  e.g TransAlaska pipe

Question 16

Management Strategies ( remote exploration)

Answer 16

• detect oil and gas points remotely
• reduces damage
  to the natural environment and wildlife
• due to advances in technology
• reduces explorational drilling