cold environments

what is thermokarst

There is an active layer that covers ¼ of the earth surface that thaws(heats up) for one or two months. permafrost is underneath the active layer and is frozen and impermeable so when the active layer melts it has no where to go resulting in waterlogged conditions. over time when this re freezes its created uneven ground called thermokarst

what is solifluction

The thawed soil slides easily over the permofrost on sloped and can lead to landslides as the large amounts on soil and mud build up cutting of roads.

adaptations

snow buttercup and arctic poppy

produce flowers quickly

cup shaped flowers to face the sun directing the sun rays to the center to maximize photosynthesis

arctic willow

grow close to the ground to trap pockets of warmer air

have hairs to capture heat

grows in groups for larger surface area and to trap more heat

short to avoid the cold wind

moss and lichen

shallow roots

happy in wet or dry condition which are caused by the permafrost and active layer..

opportunities in Alaska

mineral extraction

tourism

lots of employers, job opportunities however poorly paid and seasonal

energy

hydroelectric power

50 hydroelectric power plants supply Alaskan communities 1/5 of electricity

benefits of oil production

many alaskian workers rely

90% of taxes raised so pays for education health community services

costs

only 400 locals take the jobs out of 2000 mostly taken by migrants

1989 oil tanker, only 15% of 1.2m m barrens recovered , spilled 1 m liters

population growth

natural increase

the difference between the number of live births and deaths a year. younger population have a high rate of natural increase

rural to urban migration

movement of people from the countryside to cities

push and pull factors

push

natural disasters destroy crops and possession

increase of machinery means not as many people are needed on farms

land shortage due to population growth

overgrazing an overuse of farmlands means that is is not productive

framers do not own their land feel at risk of being evicted

climate change makes weather less predictable which affects farming

pull

better paid/ variety of jobs

more/better education for children

more access to healthcare

expectations of better housing with access to electricity and water