2.5.2

The Value of Glaciated Landscapes 2

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Climate and Biodiversity in Glaciated Landscapes

Glacial and periglacial landscapes impact significantly on biodiversity and the water and carbon cycles.

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Biodiversity

  • Polar and glaciated areas have relatively low levels of biodiversity.
  • The landscape is tundra, with vegetation such as dwarf shrubs, mosses, lichens, grasses and sedges.
  • Arctic environments are important to many bird migrations (e.g. geese and ducks) as they feed their young in the short Arctic summer.
  • Other animals (e.g. the caribou and reindeer) migrate to these environments at various points in the year.
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The water cycle

  • Glaciated environments store a lot of water in the ice fields, but also release a lot of water as meltwater.
  • Summer meltwater is a critical component of water supplies in some areas of the world.
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The carbon cycle

  • The high albedo of polar regions means that ice reflects much heat (90%) back into space which is a significant part of global cooling systems.
  • Arctic permafrost, peat and wetlands act as carbon sinks, especially for methane. These are at risk as climate change intensifies.

Tundra

The tundra landscapes are found in the northern fringes of North America and Eurasia and support some vegetation.

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Climate

  • The hottest month averages -10oC.
  • The coolest month averages under -18oC, except on Arctic coasts where it is warmer.
  • The midday sun is always low in the sky in summer and daylight hours in winter are short.
  • Precipitation levels are under 300mm, and precipitation often falls as snow.
  • Dominant high pressure with cold air means that the humidity is low.
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Vegetation

  • Most plants are dwarf and grow close to the ground in a cushion-like form.
  • Shrubs are also low-growing.
  • Trees are willow and birch.
  • Plants include cotton grasses, mosses and saxifrages.
  • Growth is rapid in the summer, with a long dormant period over winter.
  • Plants have shallow roots due to the permafrost.
  • The cushion-shape of many plants is so that they can avoid the strong winds.

Jump to other topics

1Tectonic Processes & Hazards

2Option 2A: Glaciated Landscapes & Change

3Option 2B: Coastal Landscapes & Change

4Globalisation

5Option 4A: Regenerating Places

6Option 4B: Diverse Places

7The Water Cycle & Water Insecurity (A2 only)

8The Carbon Cycle & Energy Security (A2 only)

9Superpowers (A2 only)

10Option 8A: Health & Human Rights (A2 only)

11Option 8B: Migration & Identity (A2 only)

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