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ringed-planet

Option C - Extreme Environments

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Deciduous Tree

Option A - Freshwater – Drainage basins

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Magnifying Glass Tilted Left

Option B - Oceans & coastal margins

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Rocket

Option D - Geophysical Hazards

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Performing Arts

Option E - Leisure, Tourism And Sport

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Flexed Biceps

Option F - The Geography Of Food & Health

Option G - Urban Environments

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Office Building

Unit 1 - Changing Population

Unit 2 - Global Climate - Vulnerability & Resilience

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Globe Showing Europe Africa

Unit 3 - Global Resource Consumption & Security

<ul>
	<li>
	Periglacial environments: Cold regions around the edges of glaciers. They are characterized by permafrost (permanently frozen ground) and unique geological processes.
	</li>
	<li>
	Mineral extraction: The process of mining valuable minerals from the earth.
	</li>
	<li>
	Frost heave: An upward swelling of soil during freezing conditions caused by an increasing presence of ice as it grows towards the cold surface.
	</li>
</ul>

What it means: Mining resources (minerals and fossil fuels) from periglacial environments.

Benefits: Can boost regional economies, offering jobs and revenues.

Challenges: Could stress the fragile environment and spark local conflicts.

Real-world example: Siberia&#39;s diamond mines have driven economic growth but have also led to significant environmental degradation.

Reason I: Fewer species &rarr; higher susceptibility to interference.

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Think of it like this: If you only had three key players in your favorite sports team and one got injured, the team&#39;s performance would be heavily affected. The same applies to ecosystems with fewer species.

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Reason II: Low temperatures &rarr; limited decomposition &rarr; lasting pollution.

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Real-world example: Oil spills in Arctic regions take longer to clean up due to the slow decomposition rate. It&#39;s like trying to clean up a paint spill in freezing temperatures; the oil doesn&#39;t break down and disperse as quickly as it would in warmer areas.

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Reason III: Disruption of permafrost &rarr; environmental and structural problems.

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Real-world example: Building infrastructure in Siberia can cause permafrost to thaw, leading to the ground sinking, known as subsidence. Imagine trying to build a sandcastle on melting ice cream, the structure wouldn&#39;t be stable!

Frost heave problems: Near rivers, frost heave can lift structures out of the ground.

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Solution: Embed structures deeply in permafrost to prevent movement.

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Real-world example: In Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, oil pipeline piles are buried 11 meters deep into the permafrost to counteract the effects of frost heave. It&#39;s like planting a tree; to keep it from tipping over, you have to plant it deep enough that the roots can firmly grip the soil.

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However, this solution is costly. It&#39;s like choosing to buy a pricey waterproof watch because you keep dropping your watch in water, instead of just being more careful!

Unlocking The Risks & Rewards Of Mineral Extraction In Periglacial Areas

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Standard Level

Geography SL

Option C - Extreme Environments

Unlocking The Risks & Rewards Of Mineral Extraction In Periglacial Areas

Table of content

Key concepts

Exploitation of periglacial areas

Unlock the Full Content!

Option C - Extreme Environments

Unlocking The Risks & Rewards Of Mineral Extraction In Periglacial Areas

Table of content

Key concepts

Exploitation of periglacial areas

Unlock the Full Content!