cold environments-g8

Question 1

What are cold environments?

Answer 1

Cold environments experience temperatures that are at or below 0*C for long periods of time.

Question 2

What is the climate like in polar regions?

Answer 2

Winter temperatures often fall below -50*C

These areas have low precipitation(snow) levels

Question 3

What is the soil like in polar regions?

Answer 3

Permanently covered by ice so soils are permanently frozen

Question 4

What are the plants like polar regions?

Answer 4

Some plants such as mosses and lichens are found on the fringes of the ice

Question 5

What animals are there in polar regions?

Answer 5

Polar bears are well adapted to the polar environment. To retain heat they have thick fur, an insulating layer of fat, with a black nose and foot pads to absorb sunshine
In the antarctic, penguins lay their eggs on land and bring up their young before returning back to the ocean.

Question 6

What is the climate like in tundra regions?

Answer 6

This climate is less extreme, winter temps may drop to -20*C
The brief summers can be quite warm
Amounts of precipitation- mainly snow- can be high in coastal regions

Question 7

What plants are there in tundra regions?

Answer 7

Low growing flowering plants such as bear berry, Artic moss and tufted saxifrage
low bushes and small trees may grow in warmer regions

Question 8

What is the soil like in tundra regions?

Answer 8

Soils are frozen(permaforst) but in summer will melt closer to the surface
soils are generally infertile. water draining through soils removes nutrients
soils becomes waterlogged because is trapped by permafrost

Question 9

what animals live in tundra?

Answer 9

with more food options and a less extreme climate, several animals live here, including the Arctic fox and arctic hare
birds such as ptarmigans and insects such as midges and mosquitoes are abundant in the summer

Question 10

How does vegetation adapt to cold environments?

Answer 10

• Flowering and seed formation happens in a short time so that reproduction can take place during the short summers
• plants are low growing and cushion like to protect and insulate them from the strong dry winds
• hairy stems help to keep plants warm
• thin and waxy leaves to reduce water loss

Question 11

How does the bearberry adapt to cold environments?

Answer 11

The bearbery is a plant with red berries and bright green waxy leaves, it is in abundance in tundra regions.
these are its adaptations:
-very low growing to enable it to survive strong winds
-stems have thick bark for stability in windy conditions
-small leathery leaves help retain water in a dry environment
-hairy stems help retain heat
-bright red berries are eaten and this helps distribute seeds

Question 12

Where is Svalbard?

Answer 12

Svalbard is a Norwegian territory in the Artic Ocean and the most northerly permanently inhabited group of islands in the world.

Question 13

What is the population of Svalbard?

Answer 13

A population of about 2700, most living in the main town of Longyearbyen.
There are more polar bears and snowmobiles than people

Question 14

What are the opportunities for development in Svalbard?

Answer 14

Mineral extraction, energy developments, fishing and tourism

Question 15

How is mineral extraction an opportunity for development for Svalbard?

Answer 15

Svalbard has rich reserves of coal, but mining on Svalbard is a controversial issue. Environmental groups are against it, as burning coal is a major source of greenhouse gases. However coal mining is vital to the economy of Svalbard because:

• It is the main economic activity
• More than 300 people are employed in the mines. In recent years, the industry has faced a decline due to lower world coal prices and some jobs have been lost.

Question 16

How are energy developments an opportunity for development in Svalbard?

Answer 16

Some of the coal mined on Svalbard is burned to generate electricity in the Longyearbyen power station. It is Norway’s only coal fired power station and supplies all of Svalbard’s energy needs.
Like Iceland, which uses mainly geothermal energy, Svalbard is located close to the mid atlantic ridge, a constructive plate margin. Here the earth’s crust is thin and hot rocks are close to the surface. Another future option includes carbon capture and storage.

Question 17

How is fishing an opportunity for development in Svalbard?

Answer 17

The cold waters of the Barents Sea south of Svalbard are one of the richest fishing grounds in the world.
Apart from cod, there are estimated 150 species of fish here, including herring and haddock. These waters are extremely important breeding and nursery grounds for fish stocks and need to be protected from pollution.
Fishing in the Barents sea is jointly controlled and monitored by Norway and Russia to ensure that fishing is sustainable and the ecosystem is protected.

Question 18

How is tourism an opportunity for development in Svalbard?

Answer 18

Tourism in Svalbard has grown in recent years as people seek to explore extreme natural environments.

• In 2011, 70,000 people visited Longyearbyen and 30,000 of these were cruise passengers
• The harbour at Longyearbyen has been enlarged to cope with the increase in the number of cruise ships.
• Tourism provides around 300 jobs for local people
• Most tourists come from Norway and most visit as part of organised tours.

Question 19

Why do tourists visit Svalbard?

Answer 19

Tourists visit Svalbard to explore the natural environment- the glaciers, wildlife especially polar bears. Adventure tourism is becoming more popular with activities such as hiking kayaking and snow mobile safaris. In the winter, tourists visit to experience the amazing northern lights.

Question 20

What are the challenges for development?

Answer 20

Extreme temperatures, construction, services and accessibility

Question 21

How can extreme temperatures be a challenge for development?

Answer 21

In Longyearbyen, winter temperatures can fall below -30*C. Such extreme temperatures make it dangerous to work outside with a serious risk of frostbite. People have to dress very warmly, and this can make outside work very slow and difficult.

Question 22

How can construction be a challenge for development in Svalbard?

Answer 22

Working outdoors in extreme temperature’s and also in in limited light during the winter is very demanding. As a result, most construction work is carried out during the brief summer months.
The frozen ground(permafrost) can provide good solid foundations but it has to be protected from melting. If the top surface of the permafrost melts, then it becomes unstable and could lead to buildings and roads cracking and even collapsing.
Most roads are dirt or gravel roads raised up above the ground surface. These roads are relatively cheap and easy to maintain from year to year.

Question 23

How can services be a challenge for development in Svalbard?

Answer 23

Services include water, electricity and sanitation. These are very important both to residents and tourists.
Unlike the UK, most services are provided to individual buildings by overground heated water and sewage pipes. They need to be kept off the ground to prevent them causing any possible thawing of the permafrost and to allow easy maintenance.

Question 24

How can accessibility be a challenge for development in Svalbard?

Answer 24

Svalbard is located in a remote part of Europe and can only be reached by plane or ship. The islands themselves are inaccessible and almost all transport systems are restricted to the immediate area around Longyearbyen.

• There is one airport close to Longyearbyen, capable of handling international flights from Norway and Russia.
• There is 50km of road in Longyearbyen
• Most people use snowmobiles, particularly in the winter

Question 25

Why are cold environments fragile?

Answer 25

Cold environments are extremely fragile and they can be easily damaged by human activities.
Tundra vegetation takes a very long time to become established. It is a very delicate ecosystem that can b easily disturbed.
Relatively minor developments- such as constructing a footpath can have serious long term effects.
Tundra is a fragile environment.

Question 26

How can cold environments be harmed by economic development?

Answer 26

Cold environments have rich reserves of oil, gas and other minerals such as gold. Oil and gas are in high demand as a source of energy and countries are keen to exploit their resources for the economic benefits.
To extract these resources, roads have to constructed through forests and across the tundra and supply bases built. Housing for hundreds of workers also needs to be constructed. All this can have a huge impact on the environment.

Question 27

Why do cold environments need to be protected?

Answer 27

• Many indigenous people live in traditional life here. The Inuit who live in Arctic Alaska, Canada and Greenland depend on wildlife and survive by hunting and fishing.
• Cold environments are home to many birds, animals and plants, such as penguins and polar bears.
• Unpolluted and unspoiled, cold environments are important outdoor laboratories for scientific research such as effects of climate change.
• Their beauty and potential for adventure activities attracts tourists who bring huge benefits to the country.
• They provide opportunities for forestry and fishing.

Question 28

How can the risk to cold environments be reduced?

Answer 28

• The use of technology
• action by governments
• the work of conservation groups

Question 29

Explain the trans alaskan pipline(the use of technology)?

Answer 29

In 1969 oil was discovered on the north coast of Alaska. Winter sea ice in the Arctic ocean prevented oil being transported by tanker so an alternative way had to be found. In 1974 the trans- alaskan pipeline was opened. It enabled oil to be transported the 1300km. Technology has been used to reduce it’s impact on the environment.

Question 30

What were the problems and technological solutions to the trans-alaskan pipeline?

Answer 30

• The pipeline crosses rivers and mountains such as the Brookes ranges. Pumping stations keep the oil moving. The pipelines passes beneath rivers to minimize the impact on the landscape.
• Oil from the ground is very hot which helps it to flow, but could melt the permafrost. The pipelines is raised and insulated to retain heat and prevent it melting the permafrost.
• Possible cracks caused by earthquakes can cause oil leaks. The pipeline is supported and can slide if earthquakes happen. The flow of oil stop automatically if there is a leak.
• Large herds of animals migrate across the route of the pipeline. The pipeline is raised to allow animals to migrate underneath.

Question 31

What action did the government take in Alaska to protect cold environments?

Answer 31

The United States government has been involved in the protection of Alaska ever since oil was discorved there.

• The national environmental policy act, ensuring that companies involved with the extraction and transportation of oil protect the natural environment and recognize the rights of native people.
• The creation of the Western arctic reserve- a 9 million hectare protected wilderness management.

Question 32

What was the Antarctic treaty?

Answer 32

In 1959 the Antarctic treaty was signed by countries with territorial claims to Antarctica. Its main aim is to protect the natural environment of the largest wilderness on Earth. Despite the discovery of valuable minerals, the Antarctica treaty has been successful in preventing economic envelopment. The treaty:

• recognizes the importance of the continent for scientific research, particularly into climate change.
• controls tourism and keeps disturbance to a minimum.

Question 33

What is the WWF?

Answer 33

The World Wildlife Fund(WWF) is a conservation group that helps to protect Arctic environments in Canada. It provides scientific information, expertise and resources. The WWF:

• works with local communities to manage critical ecosystems
• supports scientific research to help protect important species
• works with oil companies, local Inuit organisations and government regulators to plan for a sustainable future for the Arctic.

Question 34

Should cold environments be protected as wilderness areas?

Answer 34

A wilderness is a wild and unspoiled area unaffected by human activity. There are a few true wilderness areas left- mainly rain forests, deserts or cold environments. There are strong arguments for and against protecting wilderness areas from economic development.

Question 35

What are the arguments in favour for protecting cold environments as wilderness areas?

Answer 35

• Wilderness areas are fragile and are easily damaged by economic activities
• Untouched natural environments form important outdoor laboratories for scientific research
• Rare plants and animals will be protected

Question 36

What are the arguments against protecting cold environments as wilderness areas?

Answer 36

• Cold environments are rich on resources such as oil, precious minerals, fish and timber
• Over 4 million people already live in the Arctic in balance with the environment.
• Technology now allows cold environments to be exploited with less impacts.