Questions Flashcards
What is a cold environment?
A cold environment is characterized by low temperatures and can include areas such as polar regions, high mountain ranges, and some continental interiors.
Where are cold environments found around the world?
Cold environments are found in polar regions, high altitudes, and certain continental interiors.
Name at least 4 cold environments.
- Arctic
- Antarctic
- Greenland Ice Sheet
- High Himalayas
How do altitude, latitude, and continentality impact the location of cold environments?
Altitude increases coldness due to elevation, latitude determines solar radiation received, and continentality affects temperature extremes based on distance from the ocean.
What are glacial budgets?
Glacial budgets refer to the balance between accumulation (gaining ice) and ablation (losing ice) in glaciers.
How do glacial budgets impact rates of erosion and the movement of ice?
Advancing glaciers increase erosion rates and move more ice, while retreating glaciers reduce erosion and slow down ice movement.
What are the processes of erosion involved in glacial environments?
- Plucking
- Abrasion
- Freeze Thaw
What are the processes of weathering associated with cold environments?
- Freeze-thaw
How does erosion and weathering create a corrie?
Erosion and weathering create a corrie by removing material from the mountain side and forming a bowl-shaped depression.
What is a U-shaped valley?
A U-shaped valley is formed by glacial erosion and has steep sides and a wide floor, contrasting with the V-shaped river valley created by river erosion.
How are U-shaped valleys formed?
U-shaped valleys are formed by the glacial movement that erodes the landscape beneath the glacier, creating a distinct U shape.
How do U-shaped valleys compare to V-shaped valleys?
U-shaped valleys are formed by glaciers and have a wider and flatter floor, while V-shaped valleys are formed by rivers and have a narrower, sharper profile.
What is OS mapping?
OS mapping refers to using Ordnance Survey maps to identify geographic features, including glacial landscapes, with tools like grid referencing and compass directions.
What tools are used in OS mapping to locate glacial landscapes?
- 4 and 6 figure grid referencing
- Compass
- Height above sea level (contour lines)
- Key
What is the significance of life without ice?
Life without ice would lead to rising sea levels, changes in ecosystems, and impacts on human populations reliant on glacial water sources.
