Ecosystems - Cold Environments Flashcards
Accessibility
The degree to which a location is accessed via transportation.
Active Layer
Top section of the permafrost soil profile that thaws in the summer and re-freezes in the winter.
Adventure/extreme tourism
Tourism designed for thrill-seekers involving dangerous activities.
Albedo Effect
The expression of light surfaces reflecting more heat than dark surfaces.
Angle of Incidence
The angle a ray of sun makes with a line perpendicular to the earth.
Antarctic Treaty
An agreement between multiple countries to take steps in protecting Antarctica.
Archipelago
A chain of islands.
Crevasse
A deep open crack, especially one in a glacier.
Fragile
An easily damaged environment.
Frost Heave
The uplift of soil or other surface deposits due to expansion of groundwater freezing.
Geothermal energy
The heat that comes from the sub - surface of the earth.
IAATO
An association of tour operators who advocate and promote the practise of safe and environmentally responsible private sector travel to the Antarctic.
Infrastructure
The basic physical and organisational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society of enterprise.
Interdependence
Mutually dependant; depending on each other.
Organic Matter
A wide range of invaluable materials for feeding plants, improving soil qualities.
Permafrost
The layer of frozen soil under the earths surface.
PIGS
A mechanical device that is pushed through the Trans-alaskan pipeline by the oil to remove residue build up.
Polar
A polar climate consists of cool summers and very cold winters, which results in treeless tundra, glaciers, or a semi permanent layer of ice.
Pollution
The presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects.
Talik
An area of unfrozen ground surrounded by permafrost.
Tundra
A vast, flat region of Europe, Asia and North America, in which the subsoil is permanently frozen.
Wilderness areas
Natural earth environments that have not been significantly modified by human activity.
