SEE: Glaciation: 2A.10C
- Created by: MaggieNaylor
- Created on: 28-03-22 10:13
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- 2A.10C: Environmental importance of glaciated landscapes
- Biodiversity
- Polar and glaciated landscapes have low levels of biodiversity
- Lots of interdependency, if one species is removed it can impact entire food chain
- The landscape is tundra, with vegetation such as shrubs, mosses, sedges
- Tundra plants and animals have adapted to the short growing season and harsh climate
- They are HIGHLY vulnerable to environmental stresses
- Tundra plants and animals have adapted to the short growing season and harsh climate
- Arctic environments are important for many bird migrations
- As they feed their young in the short Arctic summer
- Other animals (caribou, reindeer) migrate to these environments throughout the year
- They have a slow nutrient cycle, meaning if there is disruption (litter) then decomposition takes longer
- Polar and glaciated landscapes have low levels of biodiversity
- Maintaining natural systems
- Carbon
- 14% of carbon stored in permafrost, because of limited decomposition
- Suggestion of negative feedback. Warming will release carbon, encouraging plant growth, therefore reducing carbon again
- HOWEVER, the effects may be transitional, and carbon is still being released from lakes, streams, bogs
- Arctic amplification
- Albedo, rocks, and permafrost positive feedback cycles
- Water
- Glaciated landscapes are a valuable store of water, and also release meltwater in summer
- Summer meltwater is a valuable source of water in many parts of the world
- E.g. Arapho Glacier in Colorado provides 260 million gallons of water for the city of Boulder
- Carbon
- Tundra
- Growth is rapid in the short summer (3 months), and dormant in winter
- Hottest month is -10, coolest is -18
- Biodiversity
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