Human Impacts On Cold Environments Flashcards
What are 2 things that make polar regions important for scientific research?
• Thinner atmosphere makes them ideal for astronomical and upper atmosphere research.
• Sensitive to climate change, providing key insights into global warming.
What are some 2 spiritual and religious associations with cold environments?
• Buddhists in Tibet place prayer flags on mountains.
• Inuit people in the Arctic have ancient myths linked to the landscape.
What are the 2 ways in which glaciated landscapes used for recreation?
• Skiing in the Alps has become a major winter tourism industry.
• Polar trekking & extreme sports are increasing in popularity (e.g., Antarctica cruises).
What are the 3 ways in which Iceland economically benefit from its glaciated landscape?
• Fishing is a major industry due to limited farming.
• Hydroelectric & geothermal energy power aluminium smelters.
• Tourism has increased, with landscapes featured in TV and films (e.g., Game of Thrones).
What are the 3 ways does Snowdonia (Wales) benefit economically from its glaciated landscape?
• Upland sheep farming provides income.
• Coniferous plantations create an alternative revenue stream.
• Tourism supports hiking, mountain biking, and year-round recreation.
What are the 2 natural threats that exist in glaciated landscapes?
• Avalanches increase as more skiers explore extreme terrain.
• Glacial outburst floods (jökulhlaups) occur due to geothermal heating or volcanic eruptions. (E.g. 1996 Grímsvötn eruption under Vatnajökull Glacier caused flooding at 50,000 m³/sec)
What are the 4 ways in which human activity threatens glaciated environments?
• Tourism infrastructure (ski resorts, roads) damages fragile ecosystems.
• Deforestation causes soil erosion and landslides.
• Dam construction alters hydrology.
• Increased vehicle use raises air pollution.
What are the 3 ways does global warming threaten glaciated landscapes?
• Melting glaciers & ice sheets cause sea level rise.
• Meltwater changes river flow, increasing flood risks and disrupting HEP schemes.
• Thawing permafrost destabilises landscapes and releases methane, worsening climate change.
Who are the 4 key stakeholders in glacial conservation?
• Conservationists: Lobby for environmental protection.
• Governments: Pass legislation to protect fragile landscapes.
• NGOs: Work to protect ecosystems and indigenous communities.
• Global organisations: Monitor international climate agreements.
What are some 3 approaches to managing threats in cold environments?
• Protection: Creating wilderness reserves (e.g., Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska).
• Sustainable management: Balancing conservation with human needs (Peak District, UK).
• Multiple economic use: Allowing controlled tourism (e.g., Iceland’s Blue Lagoon).
What are the 2 international agreements on climate change affecting glaciated areas?
• Kyoto Protocol & COP21 aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Paris Agreement: Goal to limit global temperature rise to below 2°C by 2100.
What are the 3 reasons why polar and glaciated regions have low biodiversity?
• Harsh conditions limit plant growth (mostly tundra vegetation like mosses and lichens).
• Seasonal migration: Birds (e.g., geese, ducks) breed in short Arctic summers.
• Caribou and reindeer migrate seasonally for food.
What are the 2 ways that glaciated landscapes impact the global water cycle?
• Store large amounts of water in glaciers and ice sheets.
• Summer meltwater supplies rivers in some regions.
How do cold environments contribute to the carbon cycle in 3 ways?
• High albedo (ice reflects 90% of solar radiation), helping cool the Earth.
• Permafrost and peatlands store large amounts of carbon and methane.
• Thawing permafrost releases greenhouse gases, worsening global warming.
What are the 3 characteristics of tundra vegetation?
• Low-growing plants (e.g., cotton grass, mosses, dwarf shrubs).
• Shallow roots due to permafrost.
• Cushion-like shape protects from strong winds.
What are the 4 climatic conditions of the tundra?
• Hottest month: -10°C
• Coldest month: Below -18°C (warmer on Arctic coasts).
• Precipitation <300mm/year, mostly as snow.
• Low humidity due to high-pressure systems.
