Extreme Climates Flashcards
Define Polar or Hot arid
Polar - glacial (ice), Tundra (frozen soils)
Hot arid - deserts (no rain/ less than 250mm par year), dry lands (250-500mm rain par year, semi-dry)
What is an extreme climate?
A region where it is extremely cold (polar) or extremely hot and dry (hot arid)
What is a temperate climate?
A climate that is Not extreme
What is carrying capacity?
Max no. Of people that can be supported by resources/technology of an area
What is flora and fauna?
Flora - plants
Fauna - animals
How have people adapted energy use to living in extreme climates?
Polar - high energy use, geothermal energy from underground
Hot arid - solar panels, traditionally low energy use, high energy use in MEDCs (fans, air-conditioning)
How have people adapted transport to deal with living in extreme climates?
Polar - toboggan, travel in pairs in case if breakdown, change tires, insulated blankets under bonnet, vehicles kept in covered garage
Hot arid - before - camels, today - powerful off-road vehicles
How have people adapted farming methods to living in extreme climates?
Polar - short growing season, hunting and fishing, today import food
Hot arid - nomadic farmers, farm close to water sources, Demi-loons
How have people adapted clothing to living in extreme climates?
Polar - thick coats, fur - reindeer, layers, wool, no skin exposed, avoid damp clothing next to skin, synthetic material
Hot arid - loose fitting, often while, head scarves (kufiyas), originally woven from sheep or goat wool
How have people adapted buildings to living in extreme climates?
Polar - thick walls, tight/compact, triple glazed windows, steep roofs, underfloor heating, kitchen in centre, rubber seals on doors, dark colour paint, garages, insulation
Hot arid - flat roof, small windows, white walls, air conditioning
What is Inuit?
Name given for native people spreading across Canada, Alaska, Russia and Scandinavia
Name 3 things part of the Inuit Native culture.
Yup’ik masks - carved masks used to tell stories
Inupiat art - totem poles
Whaling ceremony - freshly cutting whale meat
What was the hottest temperature recorded in hot arid climate?
And what was the coldest temperature recorded in polar?
Hot arid - 58 degrees Celsius
Polar - -89 degrees Celsius
How have flora and fauna adapted to hot arid climates?
Flora - grass with extensive root systems, Acacia trees store water, plants immediately grow bright leaves to attract insects
Fauna - only tough scorpions and reptiles survive, insects can collect moisture from the air
How have flora and fauna adapted for polar climates?
Flora - small tough alpine plants grow on exposed rock surfaces, plants survive strong winds by growing close to ground in cracks
Fauna - snowy owls and snowshoe rabbits have fur and feathers - camouflage, Caribou deer have fur and large hooves - soggy ground
