Alaska Case Study (cold climate)

Fact about Alaska

- largest yet least populated state

- US purchased it from Russia

- 7th richest state

- population of 700,000

- Alaska is the only state that doesn't count VAT or income tax on salaries

- Every Alaskan receives a payment each year from thar Alaskan Permanent Fund

Trans- Alaskan Pipeline (TAPS)

- cost USD$8 billion

- transports oil across the entire length of Alaska from Prodnoe Bay to terminal oil at Valdez

- it is shipped through tankers to the US (huge financial challenge)

- Alaska's gas and oil industry has contributed USD$3 billion to state and local government in 2019

- since statehood over 180 billion sate revenue has come from oil and gas production in Alaska

challenges of the TAPS

- its a tectonically active area therefore the risk of earthquakes could break the pipes

- three major mountain ranges: Ray mountains, Fair Banks, Alaska range

- 30 major rivers to cross

- 100s of caribou migration routes

- sub-zero temps therefore special metal needed

- massive uphill pipe sections

- potential for damage = huge

- pipeline can leak causing huge environmental damage

solutions of TAPS

- half of the pipeline is raised above ground to protect the perma frost in vulnerable areas and caribou migration

half the pipeline underground in insulated tunnels for the same reasons as above

has a zig-zag shape to allow it to move sideways during earthquakes

suspension bridges built to transport over rivers

oil is heated to allow it to be pumped through the TAPS without freezing

almost 70,000 remote controlled valves allowing the pipe to be shut down in case of a leak

the entire pipeline has 'stilts' or 'shoes' to allow it to move up and down, forwards and backwards cost of each is USD$30,000

challenges to development in Alaska

- extremely low temp (-30 degrees Celsius)

- snow and ice make many roads and costal areas impossible for vehicles or boats in winter months

- melting and thawing of the active layer makes building very difficult due to frost heavy issues

- small population means it is difficult to get skilled enough workers

- low population density makes it difficult for communities to operate

-many months in total darkness in winter months causing psychological issues such as SAD (seasonal affective disorder= depression, suicide, constant tiredness 2nd highest suicide rate in US

- short growing season

fishing in Alaska

-export Alaskan crab globally

- 3000 rivers, 3 million lakes and lots of coastline means fishing is a massive industry

- commercial fishing employs 1 in 10 Alaskan

- major exporter of fish (e.g. cod, salmon)

- USD$6 billion to the economy

mining in Alaska

- zinc, gold, sliver and copper is mined

- high paid jobs in both urban and rural areas

- year round jobs unlike fishing or tourism which is seasonal

- USD$2 billion in exported minerals annually

tourism in Alaska

- major employer

- many national parks (skiing)

- 2 million visitors a year

- sport fishing, wild camping and cruise ships

- can be poorly paid as it is seasonal

- can provide jobs for rural communities (INUIT Indians)

energy in Alaska

- more than 50 hydroelectric powerplants provide 20% Alaska's electricity

- geothermal energy in many areas of Alaska that are tectonically active could be explored , provide more jobs and energy services

- huge deposits of oil and natural gas= greater energy security for USA