G - Glaciated Landscapes

Definitions - Example Data - Description

Glacial environments:

Areas covered by ice sheets and glaciers.

Periglacial + tundra regions:

These exist in high latitude areas not permanently covered by ice and snow.

Alpine regions:

These regions contain small ice caps, mountain glaciers and tundra regions.

Give the range in temps. in Eismitte (polar):

Range is -48(Feb)

Give the range in precipitation in Eismitte (polar):

Range is 0

Give the range in temps. in Iqaluit (tundra):

Range is -25(Feb)

Give the range in precipitation in Iqaluit (tundra):

Range is 20(Feb+Dec)

Give the range in temps. in Zermatt (alpine):

-4(Jan)

Give the range in precipitation in Zermatt (alpine):

105(Feb)

Why is latitude important in glaciated environments?

The higher the latitude, the less solar radiation reaches the Earth. The rays are also less concentrated.

Why is altitude important in glaciated environments?

A higher altitude means a lower temperature, due to lower air density.

Why is aspect important in glaciated environments?

In the Northern Hemisphere, north facing slopes receive less sunlight throughout the day, so are colder.

Why is relief important in glaciated environments?

If the land is very flat, ice can collect, and if it's really steep, it falls down.

Why is the distance from a moisture source important in glaciated environments?

Glaciers need a source of precipitation for snow development.

Why is low insolation important in glaciated environments?

Low insolation leads to cool air and land. There can be large contrasts in insolation between the seasons.

Why is high albedo important in glaciated environments?

High light reflection due to continuous snow cover, reducing the radiation that heats the atmosphere.

Why are high pressure systems important in glaciated environments?

Frontal systems struggle to penetrate high pressure systems, leading to low levels for precipitation.

Why is cool air important in glaciated environments?

Cold air can't hold moisture, reducing precipitation.

Why are Katabatic winds important in glaciated environments?

Masses of cold, dense air flowing uninterrupted down valleys that can reach 200km h^-1.

Give three adaptations of vegetation in tundra regions:

• Low plants are less vulnerable to wind

• Dark leaves have more chlorophyll so can take advantage of what little sunlight there is

• Hairs on leaves can help to trap warm air

What are the 5 main types of plant that grow in tundra regions?

Mosses, lichens, grasses, cushion plants and dwarf shrubs.

Describe the typical soil profile of the tundra regions:

- Restricted surface litter
- Acidic top layer
- Gleyed soil with hazy boundaries
- Waterlogged

What is gleying?

Waterlogged soil leads to iron compounds becoming ferrous, making the soil look grey.

Give 3 examples of plants that grow in the tundra:

- Dwarf birch
- Bilberries
- Sphagnum moss

Why are glaciated environments so fragile?

* Short growing seasons make damage hard to recover from


* Slow decay due to low temperatures
* Highly specialized organisms find change hard to adapt to.