Fold Mountains Case Study - The Alps Flashcards
Where are the Alps located?
Central Europe: Austria, France, Italy, Germany etc.
When and how were they formed?
Around 30 million years ago, when the African and Eurasian plates collided
What is the tallest peak?
Mont Blanc, at 4810m
How many people live in the Alps?
12 million.
How much of Europe is covered by the Alps?
11 percent.
Why are the Alps so popular for walkers?
There are over 8000km of singe footpaths around the Savoie Mont Blanc area alone.
Why are the Alps so popular for Skiiers?
36 percent of the world’s ski resorts are in the Alps, due to the characteristics of its mountains.
Why are the Alps so popular for climbers?
Home to some of Europe’s highest mountains: Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn and Grossglockner.
What are the advantages of tourism in the Alps?
The local economy is boosted, jobs are created, local culture is improved and standard of living is raised.
What are the disadvantages of tourism in the Alps?
Footpaths and important geographical sites are eroded, traffic causes pollution, land and housing becomes more expensive, overcrowding, ski runs and lifts cover the mountains, ruining natural beauty. New villages also have to be built to accommodate the tourists
How many people visit the Alps each year?
100 million
How are the Alps used for farming?
Steep upland areas can be used to farm goats,which provide milk and cheese, and sunnier slopes can be terraced.
How are the Alps used for Hydro-electric power?
Th narrow valleys are dammed to generate HEP, such as in the Berne area of Switzerland. Switzerland gets 60% of its energy from HEP in the Alps.
How are the Alps used for mining?
Salt, iron ore, gold,silver and copper were mined in the Alps, before mining declined due to cheaper imports
How are the Alps used for forestry?
Scots Pine is planted all over the Alps because it is more resilient to goat feeding, because the goats kill native tree saplings. The trees are logged and sold.
How have people adapted tot he steep relief in the Alps?
Goats are farmed because they’re well adapted to live on steep mountain. Trees and man made defences are used to protect against avalanches and rock slides.
How have people adapted to the poor soils in the Alps?
Animals are grazed in most high areas as the soil isn’t good for growing crops. It is more fertile at lower altitude.
How have people adapted to limited communications?
Roads have been built on lower pints between mountains, such as the Brener pass between Austria and Italy. Tunnels have also been cut through mountains.
What are the main disadvantages of living int he Alps?
Poor education, lack of jobs and potential natural hazards such as avalanches.
Why is HEP in the Alps so easy?
There are many steep slops which precipitation and melt water can run down, and reservoirs can easily be constructed.
