Physical environmental variables (Climate) Flashcards
Different types of agriculture are found in different parts of the world. This can be determined by what 2 factors?
Wealth
Resources
What climatic conditions are needed for Rice?
High rainfall as it needs periods of time standing in water, temp between 16-27 degrees and grows best in alluvial soils [flood prone regions]. Clay soils are better because they retain water
What climatic conditions are required for Potatoes?
Much less water, too much water can cause potatoes blight can cause potatoes blight. Prefer lose sandy soils that drain easy, they also need soils rich in nutrients. 15 - 20 degrees
Commercial crop production is difficult around polar regions why?
These soils are prone to perma-frost which prevents sedentary cultivation
Very dry regions such as the Sahara Desert, Namib desert are to difficult to farm why?
Soils to dry and don’t hold nutrients
Mountainous soils such as those in the Rockies, Andes and Himalayas are difficult to farm why?
Soils are too thin and unsustainable for agriculture as transportation is too difficult
Distribution of tropical monsoon climatic zone
Tropical monsoon climates occurs usually between the tropic of cancer and tropic of Capricorn, 30-degrees North to 30-degrees South latitude. Some examples include India, Bangladesh and Brazil
Distribution of polar climate
They are found in the most northern and southern parts, the latitude of polar climates is 66 degrees north and south. The polar climates include, Antarctica, Northen Antarctica and Northen Eurasia, and some parts of South America. Examples are Russia Greenland, Canada, Russia and Finland.
Characteristics of tropical monsoon
It involves the seasonal reversal of winds, which are from the north and northeast blowing to central Asia. These winds are known as retreating monsoons they are very dry and most rainfall is concentrated in the state of Tamil Nadu in the southeast.
Further uplift of this moist air over the foothills if the Himalayas bring seasonal monsoon rainfall and intense flooding to the lower Ganges Valley and Bangladesh until mid-October.
Relationship between climate and human activities in tropical monsoon climates
Rice seedlings are grown until the summer monsoon rain begins and then they are transplanted into flooded fields.
Rice growing in India predominantly a labour- intensive farming system.
Relationship between climate and population in tropical monsoon climate
Over half the world’s population live in over 21 Asian countries that are affected by seasonal monsoon winds - including China, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Japan and Indonesia.
Impact of climate change on tropical monsoon climates
Climate change is affecting the monsoon climate and increasing its unpredictability. There have been more fluctuations in the timing and the amount of rainfall, making it difficult for farmers to plan, resulting in crop failure.
Adaptation to climate change in tropical monsoon
There has been a drive by the India gov. to increase the amount of land that is irrigated especially by more efficient micro-irrigation but still stands at less than half the total land under cultivation.
Characteristics of polar climates
Winter -40°C summer = -10°C to +10°C
There is permanent covering of the land by glacial ice with surface layer and snow or it freezes the land from the surface downwards to produce a permanently frozen ground [permafrost]. In the summer, the top player thaws for a short time but the ground underneath remains frozen. In the winter, there is covering of snow, this area is known as the tundra.
Relationship between climate and human activities - Polar
Low agriculture - subsistence
Arable farming isn’t generally possible because few plants can survive. Usually meat-based diet comes from hunting, trapping, and fishing. The only form of arable farming in such a place is one that creates an artificial environment.
. Most people live in the tundra climate area of the continental North America and Eurasia. Glacial areas are mostly devoid of permanent human settlement. They are visited by nomadic hunter and oil and mineral prospectors.
