Option C - The characteristics of extreme environments Flashcards
distribution of cold environments
very uneven - generally found in high altitudes and latitudes (North Pole and South Pole) where the levels of insolation are low
periglacial environment + location
snow and ice cover on the fringe of glaciated areas; usually associated with permafrost or ground that remains frozen for at least two years
a belt in the northern hemisphere
location of other cold environments
high mountains (altitudes)
examples of places with high altitudes
the Himalayas (Nepal) the Andes (South America) the Rockies (North America)
average decrease in temperature with altitude
temperatures decrease about 10 degrees Celsius per 1,000m
distribution of hot and arid environments
generally located around the tropics (tropic of cancer in the northern hemisphere and tropic of capricorn in the southern hemisphere)
places with high pressure systems
examples of arid environments
Sahara desert (northern Africa), Outback (Australia), Gobi (Asia) and Atacama (South America)
what are the four factors that determine the location of deserts?
location of stable, high-pressure conditions continentality (distance from the sea) rain-shadow effects proximity to cold upwelling currents ocean currents
what are the conditions in cold environments?
mountainous periglacial polar: low rainfall + temperature glacial warm days + very cold nights
what are the conditions in desert environments?
lack of water
high temperatures throughout the year
lack of rainfall (250mm - 500mm)
steep slopes; flat areas; seasonal streams; flash floods
what makes cold environments extreme?
high latitudes: less solar energy in polar regions + solar radiation is spread out over a large SA
high altitudes: lower pressure so air at higher altitude is lower
equatorial climate: large area for the Sun to heat up so heat is distributed not concentrated
relief rainfall
challenges for humans in cold temperatures
building on permafrost is challenging
harsh climate
hard to find water
transport infrastructure such as roads and bridges may be damaged by frost heaves
challenges for humans in hot temperatures
building on relief is difficult rainfall is unreliable and low climate is harsh human discomfort inaccessibility remoteness
how are cold environments changing over time?
accumulation > ablation, the glacier advances
accumulation < ablation, the glacier retreats
accumulation = ablation, the glacier is steady
how are hot environments changing over time?
natural desertification: destruction of land leading to desert-like conditions
