Lithosphere

Question 1

Define permafrost

Answer 1

a layer of permanently frozen soil (2+ years)

Question 2

The rise is temperature (global warming) affects permafrost. Explain why.

Answer 2

With warmer temperatures, the soil begins to thaw

Question 3

List some consequenses of melting permafrost

Answer 3

● The land above it sinks or changes shape. Sinking land can damage buildings and infrastructure such as roads, airports, and water and sewer pipes.
● Soil is more vulnerable to erosion. Sediments can accumulate in rivers; the rivers can become shallower, impacting the plant and animal life in the rivers.
● Landslides can occur because the melted soil slips off the frozen layer underneath.
● Carbon dioxide and methane are released to the atmosphere leading to the
intensification of the greenhouse effect. (When the permafrost melts, the organic
matter in it decomposes, releasing carbon dioxide and methane.)
● The type and number of plant species growing on the soil may change.
● Due to greater access to nutrients and a longer and warmer growing season, primary productivity will increase.

Question 4

Which of the following is a consequence of melting permafrost?
A) Increased primary productivity
B) Decreased erosion
C) Decreased levels of greenhouse gases
D) Decreased decomposition of organic matter in soil

Answer 4

A (increased primary productivity)

Question 5

How does the melting of permafrost lead to higher average global temperatures?

Answer 5

The melting permafrost relases additional methane which increases the greenhouse effect.

Question 6

What impact does the melting permafrost have on human settlements?

Answer 6

Buildings that are built on the permafrost become unstavle and landslides occur

Question 7

Define soil buffering

Answer 7

The soil’s capacity to maintain a relatively stable pH despite the presence of acidifying or alkalizing factors

Question 8

List the three things that can alter soil and explain how

Answer 8

Oxidation: chemically convert hazardous contaminants in soils to non-hazardous or less toxic compounds.

Neutralization:neutralize soil acidity

Decomposition: provides beneficial nutrients for plant health and ecosystem vitality

Question 9

Why is soil buffering important

Answer 9

the soil must be stable and consistant enough to support plant life

Question 10

what soil charactaristic aids in soil buffering?

Answer 10

its richness, the richer the soil, the better it is at resisting changes

Question 11

Which of the following statements correctly describes permafrost?
A) All the frozen water on the Earth’s surface.
B) A layer of soil frozen for more than two years.
C) The snow which accumulates on the surface of glaciers.
D) The upper layer of water which freezes when in contact with cold air.

Answer 11

B) a layer of frozen soil for more than two years