Effects On The British Isles Flashcards
What may the UK experience was a result of global warming
Warmer summers, longer hot spells, droughts and increased storm activity
What would happen if warm Gulf Stream current was diverted away from the UK
The climate could become as cold as northern Canada
When would the U.K. climate become as cold as northern Canada
If warm Gulf Stream current was diverted away from the UK
What are sea levels around Britain means to rise by by 2050
Between 12 and 37 cm
What areas of the UK are vulnerable to coastal flooding
East Anglia and Lancashire, the Essex mudflats, and the Thames estuary
Results of coastal flooding
Disruption in transport, manufacturing and the housing sector.
Long term damage to agricultural land and coastal power stations, water supplies contaminated by salt infiltration.
How can higher temperatures affect agriculture
- decreased cereal yield crop
- increased sugar beet and potato crop
- increased growing season for grasses and trees
- introduction of new crops and species
- increase in some pests e.g. Colorado beetle
Global warming effects on flora, fauna and landscape
- rise in species northwards and higher elevations
- extinction of some native species
- loss of species in isolated damp, cook or coastal habitats
- invasion and spread of alien weeds, pests and diseases
- increased foreign animals
- loss of mountain snow
Global warming effects on soils
High temperatures can reduce the water-holding capacity of some soils (= soil moisture deficits).
Buildings foundations may be weak and can be loss of organic matter.
Global warming effects on water resources
Warmer summers with increased evaporation would have disadvantages for water resources, while they would benefit from water winters
Global warming effects on energy use
Higher temperatures could decrease the need for heating, but a growing demand for air conditioning would increase electricity consumption.
