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With reference to a glaciated landscape from beyond the UK, assess the impact of human activity upon the natural systems and physical landscape. - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 4
With reference to a glaciated landscape from beyond the UK, assess the impact of human activity upon the natural systems and physical landscape.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:With reference to a glaciated landscape from beyond the UK, assess the impact of human activity upon the natural systems and physical landscape. - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Impact of Human Activity on Glacial Systems
Answer
Human activity significantly impacts glaciated landscapes, including factors such as climate change, resource extraction, and tourism. For example, in Svalbard, Norway, human activities like coal mining and tourism have direct effects on glacial environments. The melting of glaciers is increasingly associated with anthropogenic climate change, altering natural glacial processes such as ablation and accumulation.
Key processes affected include:
- Ablation and Accumulation: Increased temperatures lead to accelerated melting, reducing mass balance.
- Fluvioglacial Processes: The increase in meltwater can lead to changes in sediment transport and deposition in glacial rivers.
Step 2
Human Activities and Environmental Consequences
Answer
In Svalbard, human population pressures lead to increased pollution and habitat alteration. With around 3,000 residents, activities like fishing and tourism stress the natural systems.
Consequences include:
- Pollution: Waste and contaminants from tourist activities affect water quality.
- Vegetation Changes: Human encroachment changes the vegetative landscape, affecting ecosystems.
- Wildlife Disturbance: Increased human presence disrupts natural behaviors of local wildlife.
Step 3
Long-term Implications and Conservation Strategies
Answer
As glacial landscapes face rising temperatures, long-term implications include decreased glacier size and altered physical landscapes. Conservation measures such as regulating tourism and monitoring pollution levels are crucial.
Svalbard offers a case study of sustainable practices versus economic pursuits:
- Sustainable Fishing: Regulated fishing practices aim to minimize environmental impact.
- Conservation Initiatives: Efforts to balance tourism with conservation, including promoting awareness and funding for environmental protection.
Ultimately, human activity poses both threats and opportunities; managing the balance between economic development and conservation is essential for the integrity of these glacial environments.