cold environments

• Where do cold environments typically occur?

  Around 60–70° north and south of the equator
• What defines cold environments?

  They include polar and alpine environments
• What is the temperature range in cold environments?

  May drop to -50°C
• What are the soil characteristics in cold environments?

  Less fertile with permafrost below the surface
• How do plants adapt to cold environments?

  They grow low and have small, waxy leaves
• What adaptations do animals have in cold environments?

  Many have thick fur and some hibernate
• What is the interdependence in cold environments?

  • Plants and animals rely on each other
  • Root growth supports feeding routes
  • Herbivores migrate between summer and winter pastures
• What are some significant impacts of climate change on cold environments?

  Melting permafrost and earlier plant growth
• What is the average annual precipitation in cold environments?

  Less than 250mm per year
• What are the key characteristics of cold environments?

  • Extremely cold temperatures
  • Long, dark winters and short, cool summers
  • Less fertile soils and slow decomposition
  • Sparse vegetation and adapted animal species
• What is a wilderness area?

  A wild and unspoiled area unaffected by humans
• Why are cold environments considered fragile?

  Tundra vegetation is slow to grow and recover
• What are the challenges of developing in cold environments?

  Extreme temperatures and construction difficulties
• How do people travel in Svalbard during winter?

  Most use snowmobiles
• What is the main economic activity in Svalbard?

  Coal mining
• What is the purpose of the Trans-Alaska pipeline?

  To transport oil from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez
• What are some environmental challenges of the Trans-Alaska pipeline?

  Permafrost melting and potential leaks
• What are the opportunities for development in Svalbard?

  • Mineral extraction (coal mining)
  • Energy development (coal-fired power station)
  • Fishing in the Barents Sea
  • Tourism for Northern Lights and adventure activities
• What is the average population of Longyearbyen?

  About 2,600 people
• What is the role of conservation groups in cold environments?

  To plan for a sustainable future
• What are the main aims of the Antarctic Treaty?

  To promote peace, research, and environmental protection
• How does climate change threaten biodiversity in cold environments?

  It leads to habitat loss and species endangerment
• What is one way to manage the risks of development in cold environments?

  Using technology to reduce environmental impact
• What is the significance of the Arctic's 'web of life'?

  It highlights the interdependence of species
• What are the effects of industrial activity on cold environments?

  It threatens biodiversity and disrupts ecosystems
• Why is it important to protect cold environments?

  They are unique ecosystems and vital for conservation
• What is one characteristic of tundra vegetation?

  It is slow to grow and recover
• How does human activity affect tundra vegetation?

  It can cause lasting damage and slow recovery
• What are the consequences of oil spills in cold environments?

  They can cause long-term ecological damage
• What are the main threats to biodiversity in cold environments?

  Climate change, wildfires, and industrial activity
• What is the main economic activity in Svalbard?

  Coal mining
• What is the role of the Bureau of Land Management in Alaska?

  To conserve and manage wilderness areas
• How does the construction of the Trans-Alaska pipeline address environmental challenges?

  It is raised above ground to prevent melting
• What is the significance of the Antarctic Treaty?

  It promotes peaceful use and scientific research
• What is the average annual precipitation in Svalbard?

  20-35 mm per month
• How do conservation groups contribute to cold environments?

  They work for sustainable development and awareness
• What are the main arguments for and against protecting wilderness areas?

  For: conservation; Against: economic development
• What is the impact of wildfires on cold environments?

  They threaten biodiversity as climates warm
• What is the main characteristic of cold environments?

  Extreme climatic conditions
• How do plants and animals adapt to cold environments?

  By reducing moisture loss and keeping warm