Key Terms: Human impacts on cold environments (AQA A Level Geography): Revision Note

Fragility of cold environments - key terms

Adaptation – The process by which flora, fauna, and human populations adjust over time to survive the extreme conditions in cold environments.

Albedo – The reflectivity of a surface; cold environments have high albedo (up to 90%) due to snow and ice reflecting sunlight.

Carbon store – Cold environments act as long-term stores of carbon in permafrost and frozen vegetation; disturbance can release greenhouse gases.

Ecotourism – Tourism based on experiencing natural environments in a sustainable way; often promoted in cold wilderness areas.

Exploitation – The large-scale use of natural resources (e.g. mining, oil extraction, fishing) which can cause serious environmental damage.

Indigenous peoples – Native populations who traditionally live sustainably in cold environments through subsistence lifestyles like hunting and gathering.

Mineral extraction – The removal of valuable resources (e.g. gold, silver, copper) from cold environments, often disrupting ecosystems and polluting water.

Oil spill – A release of oil into the environment, particularly harmful in cold marine environments due to slow recovery rates and long-term ecological damage.

Permafrost melt – Thawing of permanently frozen ground, often caused by human activities, which destabilises structures and releases methane.

Pressure from development – Expansion of infrastructure (e.g. roads, airports, pipelines) to support resource exploitation, increasing environmental stress.

Sustainable use – Use of resources in a way that meets current needs without compromising future generations or harming the environment.

Tourism impact – The effects of increasing visitor numbers to fragile cold environments, including habitat disruption and introduction of invasive species.

Climate and cold environments - key terms

Climate change – A long-term shift in temperature and weather patterns; currently accelerated by human activity and severely affecting cold regions.

Feedback loop (positive) – A reinforcing cycle where warming melts permafrost, releasing methane, which causes more warming and further melting.

Glacial retreat – The shrinking of glaciers due to rising temperatures, contributing to sea level rise and altered landscapes.

Invasive species – Non-native organisms introduced into cold environments (often via tourism), which compete with native species and disrupt ecosystems.

Methane release – The emission of methane gas from thawing permafrost, contributing significantly to the greenhouse effect.

Migratory disruption – Changes in migration patterns of animals due to altered seasons and food availability from climate change.

Permafrost thaw – The warming and softening of frozen ground, destabilising buildings and releasing stored carbon and methane.

Phytoplankton change – Alterations in the base of the marine food web due to increased UV radiation and changing ocean conditions.

Sea level rise – An increase in ocean levels from glacial and ice sheet melting, leading to flooding of low-lying polar and coastal areas.

Species extinction – The loss of native cold-environment species that are unable to adapt to rapidly warming conditions.

UV radiation increase – The rise in ultraviolet exposure due to ozone thinning, impacting organisms like phytoplankton and other life forms.

Management of cold environments - key terms

Adaptation (management) – Adjusting practices to deal with environmental changes, such as raising buildings on stilts or insulating homes.

Alaskan pipeline – A major oil pipeline in Alaska raised on stilts to prevent heat transfer that would melt permafrost and cause instability.

Calorie intake – Increased food consumption required by workers and residents in cold environments to maintain energy and health in extreme cold.

Conservation – The protection and preservation of natural environments and wildlife, often by limiting access or banning exploitation.

Disaster response – Emergency plans (e.g. food supplies, evacuation routes) to manage crises like oil spills or natural disasters in cold areas.

Footwear sterilisation – A preventative measure to stop the spread of invasive species by disinfecting tourists' gear before entering protected cold environments.

Gravel pads – Layers of gravel used under roads to insulate and prevent vehicle heat from melting permafrost.

International agreements – Treaties such as the Antarctic Treaty System which aim to protect cold environments through legal restrictions.

Monitoring and regulation – Systems for tracking environmental change and controlling human activity, such as fishing quotas or tourist caps.

Prevention – Measures taken to avoid environmental harm before it occurs, such as limiting access, banning harmful practices, or promoting conservation.

Reaction – Actions taken after environmental damage has occurred, including oil spill clean-ups or temporary resource bans.

Sustainable infrastructure – Designing buildings and roads to function in extreme climates while minimising environmental impact, e.g. triple-glazed homes.