Climate & Cold Environments (AQA A Level Geography)
Revision Note
Written by: Jacque Cartwright
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Climate Change & Cold Environments
Rises in global warming has led to unprecedented levels of melting in cold environments
This has current and predicted impacts on these environments, for example:
Since 1960, average air temperatures at the Arctic, has increased by more than 2°C
The extent and thickness of the sea ice has declined
Coupled with changes in seasonal melt; ice-dependent animals are at risk
The far northern Canadian polar bears are expected to face starvation and reproductive failure by 2100
Present and Future Impacts of Global Warming
Present Impacts | Future Impacts |
|---|---|
Rate of global glacial retreat has increased | Positive feedback of methane release from the permafrost into the atmosphere, raising greenhouses gas levels |
Sea level rise due to melting glaciers and ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica | Flooding of cold, low-lying coastal areas due to further sea level rise as warming temperatures accelerate glacial melting |
Permafrost melting is accelerating, causing buildings and roads to collapse | Winter sports regions are seeing reduced snowfall which has economic impacts for the locals - by 2050 only resorts above 1500m would be able to offer snow for 100 days or more |
Ice roads, which are essential supply routes, are open for less time each year | Ingress of warmer loving flora and fauna into cold regions as temperatures increase, outcompeting native species |
Migratory patterns of birds and animals are changing inline with seasonal changes | Existing flora and fauna become extinct as unable to adapt to warmer climate quickly enough |
Increasing UV radiation has caused alterations to phytoplankton communities, impacting the food chain | Flooding and landslides increase, as inland glaciers retreat |
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Being synoptic in your exam is an important skill the examiner is looking for. Therefore, remember to draw on knowledge of climate change from other parts of the course such as cold environments as a carbon sink and the impact it has on the carbon cycle etc.
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