Extreme Enviromments Info Flashcards
What are the areas of polar and hot arid climates I have studied?
Arctic
Australian desert
What are the characteristics of a polar climate?
Temp:
Below 0°C
Never above 10°C
Winter usually = -20° to -30°C
Precipitation:
Dry
Often less than 300mm per year
Snow
Seasonality: Up to 24 hours daylight in summer Up to 24 hours darkness in winter Long cold winter Short summer growing season
Variability:
Becoming more variable with global warming
Milder winters
What are the characteristics of a hot arid climate?
Temp:
Above 30°C
Never below 15°C
Precipitation:
Dry
Often less than 500mm per year
Short, heavy rainstorms
Seasonality:
Short wet season + few cooler months
Clear skies at night = cold
Variability:
Low variability
Periods of extreme drought are common
Dust storms are common
How have polar flora adapted?
Shallow roots avoid permafrost Coniferous forest have needles to reduce water loss Cone shape trees shed snow Cone shape trees bend in wind Cushion shape plants trap heat Flowers twist to follow sun
How have polar fauna adapted?
Eg polar bear Small SA:vol = reduce heat loss (small ears) Thick blubber for heat Thick fur for heat White fur for camouflage Large feet to spread weight Fur on soles of feet for grip Large claws and teeth for prey Strong legs for hunting and swimming
How have desert flora adapted?
Extensive deep roots
Store water in roots, stems and or leaves (succulent eg cacti)
Cacti needles reduce SA -> reduce water loss
Waxy cuticles on leaves reduce water loss
Contain spices / toxins / camouflage to reduce being eaten
Eucalyptus = drought tolerant Waxy leaves Leaves hang vertically to reduce water loss (less exposure to sun) Leaves shed to reduce water loss Dormant through droughts
How have desert fauna adapted?
Bilby:
Nocturnal -> avoid day heat
Burrows for moisture and cooler conditions
Low moisture levels needed -> food water is enough
Large SA:vol
Red kangaroo: Large SA:vol Hopping is fast and efficient Water content from dew Sleep during day, food at dawn / dusk Rain stimulates female breeding hormones so only breed during wet season
What factors do people adapt to survive?
Food supplies and farming Building design Body shapes and clothing Transport and communications Energy conservation and use
How have people in polar climates adapted food supplies and farming?
Farming is not possible -> traditionally seasonal hunting -> food is frozen or salted to preserve
Inuit diets based on protein and fat
How have people in polar climates adapted building design?
Steep roofs shed snow
Triple glazed Windows
Buildings face sun to increase solar gain
Built on stilts -> avoid melting permafrost
How have people in polar climates adapted body shapes and clothing?
Arctic Inuits are short and stocky -> conserve heat
Layered clothing
Animal skin clothing
Hi-tech modern insulating clothes
How have people in polar climates adapted transport and communications?
Pipelines are above ground to avoid permafrost -> easier to maintain
Roads built on gravel pads to avoid melting permafrost
Walk on skis / snowmobiles etc
How have people in polar climates adapted energy conservation and use?
High energy use despite insulation
Arctic and Siberia have large oil and gas fossil fuel reserves to reduce energy costs
How have people in hot arid climates adapted food supplies and farming?
Traditionally indigenous in Sahel planted crops in zai pits
(A hole with organic matter in it to absorb seasonal rain, covered with soil to prevent evaporation)
Dig boreholes and wells to trap groundwater
How have people in hot arid climates adapted building design?
Flat roofs -> sleeping outside, solar panels
Small shuttered windows -> keep heat out
Thick walls -> keep heat out
Underground homes (Coober Pedy AUS)
