Cold environments

• Why is geothermal energy relevant to cold environments?

  Because these regions are located along plate boundaries with tectonic activity
• What is permafrost?

  The ground that is permanently frozen
• What are the two types of cold environments discussed?

  • Tundra
  • Polar
• How do polar regions differ from tundra regions?

  Polar regions are much more extreme and drier
• What is a significant challenge in cold environments?

  Extreme temperatures
• What are the characteristics of polar regions?

  • Winter temperatures often below -50°C
  • Very low precipitation, classified as cold deserts
  • Limited biodiversity with few animal species
  • Soil is permanently frozen
• What are the characteristics of tundra regions?

  • More animal species like arctic foxes
  • Permafrost that melts in summer
  • Winter temperatures around -20°C
  • Low-growing flowering plants that protect against harsh winds
• What adaptations do tundra plants have?

  • Low growing to survive strong winds
  • Brightly colored berries for seed dispersal
  • Seeds that scatter in the wind
  • Thin, waxy leaves to reduce transpiration
  • Short growing season to quickly utilize favorable conditions
  • Thick bark and hairy stems for cold protection
• What is the named example of a cold environment studied in this unit?

  • Alaska
• What is the size of Alaska?


  Nearly 2 million square kilometers
• Why is Alaska sparsely populated?


  Because it is very cold and remote
• What is the population of Alaska approximately?


  750,000 residents
• What are the two types of fishing in Alaska?


  Commercial fishing and subsistence fishing
• What is the main type of fish caught in commercial fishing in Alaska?


  Salmon
• How many jobs does commercial fishing provide in Alaska?

  About 78,000 jobs
• What is a significant issue with tourism in Alaska?


  Much of the work is seasonal and poorly paid
• What are some attractions for tourists in Alaska?


  • National parks and preserved villages
  • Historical sites related to Native American culture
  • Wildlife viewing, whale watching, and kayaking
  • Hiking, skiing, rock climbing, and off-roading
• What is the main economic activity related to mineral extraction in Alaska?


  Mining
• What is a significant environmental concern related to mining in Alaska?

  Use of toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide
• What happened to the Pebble Mine gold project in 2013?


  It was closed down due to environmental campaigns
• What is a major source of energy production in Alaska?


  Oil and gas drilling
• What is the purpose of the trans-Alaskan oil pipeline?


  To transport oil to the southern Port of Valdez
• What is a benefit of oil and gas production in Alaska?


  It provides huge amounts of jobs
• What environmental disaster occurred in 1989 in Alaska?


  The Exxon Valdez oil spill
• What were the consequences of the Exxon Valdez oil spill?


  Only 15% of the spilled oil was recovered, causing significant environmental damage
• What are the benefits and issues of oil and gas production in Alaska?


  Benefits:

  • Provides jobs
  • Contributes to state earnings
  • Funds community services

  
  

  Issues:

  • Migrant workers dominate jobs
  • Environmental risks from spills
  • Limited local spending by workers
• What is one way the trans-Alaskan oil pipeline is designed to protect wildlife?


  It goes underground in some places to avoid disturbing animal migration routes.
• What is a significant issue related to migrant workers in the oil industry in Alaska?


  Migrant workers take most jobs but do not spend much locally and have short contracts.
• What environmental disaster occurred in 1989 in Alaska?


  The Exxon Valdez oil tanker ran aground and spilled huge amounts of oil.
• How many barrels of oil were recovered from the Exxon Valdez spill?


  Only 15 of the 1.2 million spilled barrels were recovered.
• What was the impact of the Exxon Valdez oil spill on wildlife?


  Approximately 5,000 sea otters, many seals, and numerous eagles were killed.
• What does the economic benefit of the oil industry in Alaska come with?


  It comes with significant environmental costs.
• How many rivers and lakes are there in Alaska?


  There are 3,000 rivers and 3 million lakes in Alaska.
• Is it illegal to hunt and kill whales and polar bears in Alaska?


  No, it is false; it is not illegal to hunt them.
• What is true about the trans-Alaskan oil pipeline's construction?


  It is buried underground in places to avoid disturbing caribou migration.
• What percentage of taxes raised in Alaska comes from oil and gas?


  Oil and gas account for more than 90% of the taxes raised in Alaska.
• How many jobs does the Alaskan oil industry provide?


  It provides 2,000 jobs.
• What is the main economic activity in Svalbard?


  Mineral extraction is the main economic activity in Svalbard.
• How many people are employed in mines in Svalbard?


  300 people are employed in mines in Svalbard.
• What is a controversial aspect of energy production in Svalbard?


  They still use coal-fired power to generate electricity.