Cold Environment Flashcards
Cold environment
Experience temps below 0C for long periods of time
Most extreme are Polar regions and ice sheets where temps are below 0
Characteristics of Cold environment of:Polar
Climate- Winter temps often fall below -50 C these areas have Low Snow Totals
Animals - Polar bears well adapted to environment. Thick white fur to retain heat black nose and foot pads to ABSORB SUNLIGHT
Plants- mosses and lichens found on the fringes of ice
Soils- Large areas permanently covered in ice soils permanently frozen
Characteristics of Cold environment of:Tundra
Climate-winter temps may drop to -20C (less extreme)
Amount of snow can be high in coastal areas
Animals - Artic fox thick white fur helps camouflage from predators
Plants-Low-growing flowering plants
Small trees may grow in warmer regions
Soils- soil frozen but in summer will melt
Infertile because water draining through soil removes nutrients
Vegetation adaptations in Cold environment
Plants are low growing and cushion like to protect and insulate them from strong dry wind
Hairy stems help keep plant warm
Flowering and seed formation happens in a short time so that reproduction can take place during SHORT SUMMERS
Opportunities for Development in Svalbard
Mineral Extraction- vital to Svalbard’s economy
More than 300 people are employed in the mines and support staff- provides income to many locals
Energy Development- Some of the coal mines is burned to generate energy for the Longyearbyen power station. It’s Norway’s only coal -fired power station.
Supplies all of Svalbard’s energy needs
Fishing- Cold waters of Barents Sea south of Svalbard
One of the richest fishing grounds in the world
Over 150 species of fish in these waters.
These waters are extremely important for breeding and nursing grounds for fish stocks
Tourism- In Svalbard over the years ppl want to see and explore extreme natural environment.
2011 70,000 people visited Longyearbyen.
Provides 300 jobs to local ppl
Challenges of Development in Svalbard
Extreme Temp- Longyearbyen winter temps can drop -30 C
The risk of frostbite is high- several clothing layers essential
This means working outside is very dangerous and can be difficult and slow.
Construction/Provision of building- constructing and maintaining roads on top of gravel layer to insulate permafrost
The frozen ground(permafrost) has to be protected from melting or buildings will collapse
Due to working outdoors being dangerous. Most construction takes place during summer period.
Services- includes water electricity and sanitation. Important to tourists and residents.
Most services are provided to individuals buildings having water power and sanitation pipes HEATED INSULATED AND RAISED above Ground.
Allows maintenance and prevents thawing of permafrost
Inaccessibility- most people frequently use snowmobiles
No roads outside Longyearbyen
Svalbard located in a remote part if Europe.
Cold environment under threat
Cold environment are fragile and they can be damaged by human activities
Tundra vegetation takes a very long time to be established-very delicate ecosystems
Can be easily destroyed.
Risk of economic development in Cold environment
Background; Oil and gas remain in high demand but exploitation of this requires
Drilling equipment and pipelines
Can cause sever damage to a tundra’s fragile environment.
Example:Oil leakage can occur from broken pipe which can
Spill into rivers polluting them.
Trees can be killed by the oil spill
River edge habitats polluted and destroyed
Vegetation may never recover where it has been polluted
Why Cold environments need to be protected
Opportunities for forestry and fishing
Many indigenous people demand on the wildlife and survive by hunting and fishing
Home to variety of plants and animals
Their beauty and potential for adventure activities attract tourists benefits economy
How risks in Cold environment can be reduced.
Use of technology- Trans-Alaskan properties
Crosses two mountain ranges and 800 rivers.
Engineered to Slide during EARTHQUAKES. But with automatic shut-off systems if there is a leak.
Problems- Pipeline crosses river and mountain such as Brookes Rages
Technological Solution - Pumping stations keep the oil moving. The pipeline passes beneath the river to minimise the impacts on landscape.
Problems- Possible caused by earthquakes can cause oil leaks
Technological solution- The pipeline is supported and can slide if earthquakes happen. The flow of oil stops if there is a leak.
Problem- Large herds of animals such as caribou migrate across the route of pipeline.
Technological solution- The pipeline is raised to allow caribou migrate underneath
How risks in Cold environment can be reduced.2
Conservation groups e.g WWF in Canada
Helps to protect Arctic groups in Canada and elsewhere.
Works with local communities to manage critical ecosystem
Works with oil companies and government regulators to plan for a sustainable future for Artic
