Tundra - Cause of change
Climate Change
A warming climate is drastically changing tundra environments. Glacial retreat and melting permafrost will have ongoing impacts and result in further change to the environment. Melting permafrost releases methane gas, which in turn will result in further melting. Higher temperatures will result in the growth of shrubs, changing the ecosystem and reducing the ability of soils to reflect heat.
Air pollution
Ozone depletion as a result of chemicals in aerosols have allowed stronger UV radiation to penetrate at the poles. Coal buring and industrial activity has resulted in toxic mercury in the atmosphere, accumulating in the Arctic. Air pollution can also affect the growth of lichen.
Industrial Activity Natural Resource Exploitation
Natural resource exploration and extraction can impact greatly on tundra environments. Activities can result in the thawing of permafrost, damage to soil and vegetation. There is also increased risk of toxic spills.
Development and Tourism
Human settlements and the construction of buildings and roads encroach on tundra environments and allow access for larger numbers of people to this fragile environment. Tourism operations such as buggy tours create roads and tracks through on the fragile permafrost and can disturb the normal behaviours of wildlife.
Introduced species
The introduction of plants and animals species can interrupt food chains and food webs, providing competition for endemic species.
Group work
In groups, examine the causes and extent of change to tundra environments globally. Present your findings in a report, including images, maps, and graphs. You will also need to provide a 2 minute presentation of your findings to the class.
In groups, examine the causes and extent of change to tundra environments globally. Present your findings in a report, including images, maps, and graphs. You will also need to provide a 2 minute presentation of your findings to the class.
