Option C: Extreme environments: Practice Questions

• a.

  Hot daytime temperatures exceeding \(40^{\circ}C\) with high seasonal rainfall exceeding \(1000\text{ mm}\).

• b.

  Sub-zero winter temperatures followed by summer months where temperatures consistently average above \(15^{\circ}C\).

• c.

  Average monthly temperatures below \(0^{\circ}C\) throughout the year and annual precipitation levels usually less than \(250\text{ mm}\).

• d.

  Moderate temperatures with a high degree of humidity and rainfall distributed evenly throughout the year.

• a.

  The chemical weathering of limestone bedrock due to increased oxidation during warmer months.

• b.

  Aeolian erosion processes removing topsoil and reducing the load-bearing capacity of the underlying granite.

• c.

  The seasonal thawing of the active layer above the permafrost, leading to solifluction or saturated ground conditions.

• d.

  The sudden thermal contraction of the deep continuous permafrost layer causing deep crustal fractures.

• a.

  Chelation

• b.

  Haloclasty

• c.

  Thermokarstification

• d.

  Hydraulic wedge action

• a.

  Developing a shallow, widespread root system to capture immediate rainfall.

• b.

  Having broad, thin leaves to maximize surface area for photosynthesis.

• c.

  Exhibiting high rates of transpiration during the day.

• d.

  Storing water in fleshy stems and leaves (succulence).

• a.

  The release of significant quantities of greenhouse gases (methane and carbon dioxide) into the atmosphere from decomposing organic matter previously frozen in the permafrost.

• b.

  Improved soil drainage and aeration, leading to increased agricultural productivity in previously unsuitable areas.

• c.

  Enhanced carbon sequestration in newly formed wetlands and thermokarst lakes, acting as a net carbon sink.

• d.

  Increased surface albedo due to the exposure of underlying rock, leading to localized cooling trends.

Write your answer out first, then check it against the worked solution.