Geog mid year 8

• What are the four categories of cold environments?

  Polar, glacial, periglacial, alpine
• What are the key features of polar environments?

  • Harsh, snow and ice-covered
  • Long winters, short summers
  • Frequent snow storms and cold winds
  • Difficult terrain for life
  • Ice-covered land with thin, infertile soils
  • Limited vegetation: mostly mosses and lichens
  • Adapted animal life, more ocean-based
• What characterizes glacial environments?

  Cold climates at high latitudes or altitudes
• How does precipitation affect glacial environments?

  High precipitation inputs to the glacial system
• What are the features of periglacial environments?

  • Located on fringes of glaciated areas
  • Vegetation similar to polar and alpine
  • Increased vegetation with meltwater availability
  • Dominated by permafrost limiting plant growth
  • Deeper soils of peaty vegetation and frost-shattered rock
  • Potential for methane and carbon dioxide release
• What is the significance of permafrost in periglacial environments?

  It limits plant growth to mosses and lichens
• What are the characteristics of alpine environments?

  • Cool climates with some snow coverage
  • Seasonal changes evident
  • Windward sides receive more precipitation
  • Leeward sides are drier and shielded from winds
  • Difficult terrain due to steep gradients
  • Thin, gravel-like soil with low fertility
  • Vegetation includes low shrubs, mosses, and coniferous trees
• How do coniferous trees adapt to alpine environments?

  They have a triangular shape to shed snow
• What adaptations do mammals in alpine environments exhibit?

  They are skilled at navigating steep terrain
• Which mammals are mentioned as living in alpine environments?

  Mountain goats