AS Geography for Edexcel The Arctic

NASA reported that the amount of permanent ice (permafrost) decreased by [blank_start]14%[blank_end] between 2004 and 2005. [blank_start]80%[blank_end] of sunlight used to be reflected from the polar ice caps. Now there is less ice the amount of open ocean has [blank_start]increased[blank_end]. since water is darker than ice it absorbs more energy than ice ( Ice reflects [blank_start]85%[blank_end] of light where as water only reflects [blank_start]7%[blank_end]) and converts it to heat speeding up global warming. This process is names the positive [blank_start]albedo[blank_end] effect.

At current rates, 50-60% of the arctic will be lost by 2100

The tree line (the edge of the habitat within trees will grow) will be moved north and be at higher altitudes.

Tick all statements that are true about the Arctic melting

The melting of the Arctic mar cause a negative multiplier effect. Affecting the whole food chain.

How many Inuits live in the Arctic region?

How many Inuit villages are threatened by flooding?

Caribou and marine animals provide vital nutrition for the Inuit. Together Caribou, seal, fish, narwhal and walrus provide over [blank_start]90%[blank_end] of their food. If the food chain was affected there will be less marine animals. Clyde settlement on Baffin island has [blank_start]450[blank_end] residents who eat [blank_start]100[blank_end] tonnes of seal meat a year. It would cost them [blank_start]US$1 million[blank_end] to import this amount of food.

The melting of the arctic will open up the northern sea route which could be advantageous to certain companies or countries trade