Alaska

Question 1

Location and background

Answer 1

-population of 738,000 making it most sparsely populated USA state

Question 2

Physical characteristics

Answer 2

-much of Alaska is covered by permafrost
-annual rainfall is low due to cold conditions reducing evaporation
-The soil is very poor due to lack of decomposing material. Any dead organisms take a long time to decomposes

Question 3

Plants and animals adaptations

Answer 3

-Animals such as the musk ox have adapted to have warm fur to keep warm during winter
-Tundra wolves have short legs and small ears to conserve heat as well as big feet to move through the snow quickly
-Vegetation is small due to lack of nutrients and plants like the bearberry bush also use this to stay out of the wind
-caribou moss can become dormant through the winter months and grown during the summer

Question 4

Opportunities in Alaska

Answer 4

-rivers, lakes and sea fishing employs 78,500 people in Alaska adding £6billion to the economy
-2million tourists are attracted to the region each year(60% on cruise ships)
-oil in industry in Alaska provides 100,000 jobs and generates £40 billion a year

Question 5

Challenges in Alaska

Answer 5

-oil pipeline cost £8billion to build due to need to lift it to prevent permerfrost
-building is costly due to permerfrost
-solifluction of soil occurs when active layer melts and ground flows downhill