Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

IGCSE Edexcel Geography > Fragile Environments > Flashcards

Fragile Environments Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
U.S. Geography flashcards World Geography flashcards
1
Q

Fragile Environments Around the World

What is the relationship between biotic and abiotic components in an environment?

A

Biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components are intertwined, forming a delicate balance in any environment.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What factors can easily disrupt the balance in an environment?

A

Natural events like volcanic eruptions or human activities like deforestation can easily disrupt the balance in an environment.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

How does global warming impact fragile environments?

A

Global warming intensifies the vulnerability of fragile environments, making them more susceptible to damage and hindering their recovery potential.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is a fragile environment, and how does it respond to changes?

A

A fragile environment is vulnerable to changes and may struggle to recover from disruptions. It has low resilience to disturbances.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are the primary causes of damage and changes in fragile environments?

A

Damage and changes in fragile environments are caused by both natural events like tropical cyclones and human activities like pollution.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Explain why arid and semi-arid environments are considered fragile.

A

Arid and semi-arid environments are considered fragile due to their limited precipitation and moisture, which makes it difficult for vegetation to recover if damaged.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are the main causes of deforestation in tropical rainforests?

A

Deforestation in tropical rainforests is primarily driven by logging, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

How do low temperatures affect the ability of cold environments to recover from damage?

A

Low temperatures in cold environments slow down the growth and regeneration of plants, making it challenging for the ecosystem to bounce back from disturbances.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What specific types of pollution harm coral reefs?

A

Coral reefs are particularly vulnerable to pollution from land-based sources, such as agricultural runoff and sewage discharge, which can damage the delicate coral structures.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

In which biome would you find permafrost, a permanently frozen layer of soil?

A

Permafrost is found primarily in the tundra biome, characterized by its cold, treeless landscapes and permanently frozen soil.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Causes of Desertification & Deforstation

What is desertification?

A

Desertification is the process by which fertile land becomes barren and desert-like due to a variety of factors, including natural and human causes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are some of the natural causes of desertification?

A

Natural causes of desertification include soil erosion, reduced vegetation , and unpredictable rainfall patterns.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are some of the human causes of desertification?

A

Human causes of desertification include over-cultivation, overgrazing, deforestation, and population growth.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is deforestation?

A

Deforestation is the permanent destruction of forests for other purposes. It involves the clearing of trees and other vegetation, often for agriculture, logging, or urbanization.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are the six main human causes of deforestation?

A

The six main human causes of deforestation are logging, agriculture, infrastructure development, fuelwood collection, and wildfires.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

How has climate change affected wildfires?

A

Climate change has made forests drier and more flammable, which has increased the frequency and severity of wildfires.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Natural & Enhanced Greenhouse Effect

What are the periods of colder and warmer temperatures called?

A

Ice ages and interglacial periods

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What are the sources of evidence for past climates?

A

Ice cores, pollen, historical sources, and tree rings

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What are the 4 Causes of Natural Climate Change?

A

Milankovitch Cycles, Volcanic Eruptions, Sunspot Activity, Atmospheric Dust

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is the impact of Milankovitch Cycles on climate?

A

Long-term changes to the Earth’s orbit and position affect how much solar radiation the Earth receives.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is the impact of Sunspot activity on climate?

A

Increased sunspot activity is linked to higher average temperatures.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is the impact of Volcanic Eruptions on climate?

A

Large-scale eruptions eject vast quantities of ash into the atmosphere, blocking solar radiation and leading to a decrease in temperatures.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is the impact of Atmospheric dust/cosmic material on climate?

A

Asteroids and meteors entering the Earth’s atmosphere can increase the amount of dust, which decreases temperatures.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is the enhanced greenhouse effect?

A

The increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, primarily due to human activities, which traps more heat and leads to higher global temperatures.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is the main source of the enhanced greenhouse effect?

A

Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture, which release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What are the effects of the enhanced greenhouse effect?

A

Rising global temperatures, melting glaciers and ice caps, rising sea levels, and more extreme weather events.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What are the greenhouse gases and what are their human sources?

A
  • Carbon Dioxide- Burning of fossil fuels, burning of wood, deforestation
  • Methane (CH4)- Decay of organic matter, landfills, agriculture
  • Nitrous oxide (N2O)- Artificial fertilizers, burning of fossil fuels
  • Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)- Aerosols, refrigeration units, air conditioning
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Impacts Of Desertification

How can the impacts of desertification be categorised?

A

Social, Economic and Environmental

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Give 4 examples of social impacts of desertification:

A

Malnutrition, food shortage, rural-urban migration, conflict amongst community,

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Give 3 examples of environmental impacts of desertification

A

Reduced plant growth, loss of biodiversity, sedimentation in rivers.

28
Q

Give 2 examples of economic impacts of desertification:

A

Decreasing income for farmers, increased rural poverty, decreased investment in communities

29
Q

How does Decreasing income for farmers contribute to the overall economic hardship in desertification-affected regions?

A

Decreasing income for farmers reduces their purchasing power, limits their ability to invest in their farms, and contributes to rural poverty.

29
Q

What are the consequences of Reduced plant growth in desertification-affected regions?

A

Reduced plant growth contributes to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and decreased carbon sequestration.

30
Q

How does Decreased investment in communities contribute to the overall economic hardship in desertification-affected regions?

A

Decreased investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare limits economic opportunities and perpetuates poverty.

31
Q

What are the consequences of Sedimentation in rivers in desertification-affected regions?

A

Sedimentation clogs waterways, reduces water quality, and impairs the functioning of aquatic ecosystems.

32
Q

What are the consequences of Increased deforestation in desertification-affected regions?

A

Increased deforestation further degrades ecosystems, contributes to soil erosion, and worsens desertification.

33
Q

Impacts Of Deforestation

How can the impacts of deforestation be categorised?

A

Social, Economic and Environmental

34
Q

What is the impact of monoculture on biodiversity?

A

Monoculture reduces biodiversity because it replaces a diverse ecosystem with a single type of plant.

35
Q

How do reduced interception and infiltration lead to decreased evapotranspiration and precipitation?

A

Reduced interception and infiltration mean that less water is absorbed into the soil and more water runs off the surface. This reduces the amount of water available for plants to release into the atmosphere through evapotranspiration, which in turn leads to decreased precipitation.

36
Q

How does a decrease in trees affect the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere?

A

Fewer trees mean less CO2 is absorbed from the atmosphere, which contributes to an increase in the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere and the enhanced greenhouse effect.

37
Q

What impact does deforestation have on indigenous communities’ traditional way of life?

A

Deforestation reduces the amount of land available for indigenous communities to sustain their traditional way of life, leading to a loss of resources and opportunities.

38
Q

What are the potential consequences of indigenous communities giving up their traditional way of life?

A

Giving up their traditional way of life can lead to a loss of culture, traditions, and identity for indigenous communities.

39
Q

What are the risks associated with deforestation for indigenous communities?

A

Deforestation can increase the risk of landslides, flooding, and loss of potential medicines for indigenous communities.

40
Q

What are some of the job opportunities that deforestation can create?

A

Deforestation can create jobs in mining, forestry, agriculture, and hydropower.

41
Q

How can deforestation increase a country’s income?

A

Deforestation can increase a country’s income through the export of goods from the forest, such as minerals, timber, and crops

42
Q

What is the economic significance of deforestation in Brazil?

A

Almost a quarter of Brazil’s GDP comes from activities in the deforested areas of the Amazon.

43
Q

Impacts Of Climate Change

What is one Social impact of climate change?

A

Increased temperatures and lack of precipitation may lead to the spread of diseases.

44
Q

What is one Economic impact of climate change?

A

Farmers may need to change the crop they grow if climate conditions become unsuitable.

45
Q

What is one Environmental impact of climate change?

A

Sea level rise is caused by warmer temperatures causing the water in seas and oceans to expand, and by melting ice adding to the increasing volume of water.

46
Q

What is the main cause of sea level rise?

A

Warmer temperatures causing the water in seas and oceans to expand, and by melting ice adding to the increasing volume of water.

47
Q

Responses to Desertification

What is the process by which land becomes increasingly dry and arid?

A

Desertification

48
Q

What are some of the causes of desertification?

A

Climate change, deforestation, overgrazing, drought

49
Q

What are some of the impacts of desertification?

A

Soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, displacement of people

50
Q

What are some solutions to desertification and water shortages?

A

Desalination, groundwater abstraction, sustainable water management practices

51
Q

What are some ways to educate people about desertification?

A

School programs, public awareness campaigns, community outreach programs

52
Q

What are some sustainable farming methods that can help prevent desertification?

A

Agroforestry, crop rotation, conservation tillage

53
Q

What are some of the potential benefits and risks of using fertilizers, high yield varieties (HYV), and genetically modified (GM) crops?

A

Benefits: Increase crop yield, reduce land needed for cultivation;

Risks: Environmental pollution, herbicide-resistant weeds, loss of biodiversity

53
Q

What is afforestation and how can it help reverse desertification?

A

Planting trees in an area that was once forested; increases vegetation, binds soil, reduces erosion, improves soil quality, increases water infiltration

54
Q

What are contour stones and terraces and how can they help prevent soil erosion?

A

Physical structures placed along contours or created by leveling land; Slow down water flow, reduce soil erosion

55
Q

What is agroforestry?

A

Farming approach that combines trees and shrubs with crops and livestock systems.

56
Q

What is crop rotation?

A

Growing a series of different types of crops in the same area across a sequence of growing seasons. This means a field may have beans 1 year, and potatoes in the next year.

57
Q

Responses to Deforestation

What is the purpose of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)?

A

To assess the risks of human-induced climate change.

58
Q

What are some of the key international agreements that have been made to address climate change?

A

The Earth Summit in Rio 1992, the Kyoto Protocol 1997, and the Paris Agreement 2015.

58
Q

What is the role of the Conference of the Parties (COP) in the global response to climate change?

A

To provide an annual forum for governments to discuss and negotiate climate change action.

58
Q

What percentage of global greenhouse gas emissions is the UK responsible for?

A

3%

59
Q

What is the goal of the Climate Change Act (2008) in the UK?

A

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% from 1990 levels by 2050.

60
Q

What are some specific examples of how the UK is adapting to climate change?

A

Improving flood defences, assessing coastal erosion, and changing building regulations.

61
Q

What are some specific examples of how the UK is mitigating climate change?

A

Investing in renewable energy and developing sustainable aviation fuel.

62
Q

What percentage of global greenhouse gas emissions is Bangladesh responsible for?

A

Investing in renewable energy and developing sustainable aviation fuel.

63
Q

Why is Bangladesh particularly vulnerable to climate change?

A

Due to its low elevation and exposure to tropical cyclones.

64
Q

What is the purpose of the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan?

A

To identify the risks and challenges of climate change, outline adaptations, and reduce carbon emissions.

65
Q

What are some specific examples of how Bangladesh is adapting to climate change?

A

Building submersible roads, shelters, and flood protection schemes.

66
Q

What are some specific examples of how Bangladesh is mitigating climate change?

A

Improving agriculture practices, encouraging renewable energy, and expanding public transport.

IGCSE Edexcel Geography (9 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions