Arctic Ice Cap
Part A
What is the arctic ice cap?
Arctic ice caps are sheets of ice found near the North Pole. They form because high-latitude polar regions receive less heat from the Sun than other areas on Earth. As a result, average temperatures at the poles can be very cold.
why are arctic ice caps melting?
The melting of the polar ice caps is caused by the increase in global temperature caused by numerous reasons such as increased CO2 in the atmosphere and the natural warming and cooling cycle of the earth. This melting can have serious consequences for all living organisms on Earth as ice caps help regulate sea level and global temperatures.
Part B
How do the melting ice caps affect the extraction of oil, natural gas, and minerals?
The melting ice caps are allowing access to the resources under the ice, increasing the traffic and extraction in the area.
How does the melting ice cap affect the rate of erosion and weathering in coastal areas?
The rate of erosion and weathering in coastal areas is increasing as the melting ice raises the level of the oceans.
How is the geosphere affected by the melting icecap?
As the polar ice caps melt, the sun that was previously reflected back into space when it hit the white ice and reflected back, now stays to heat the earth, increasing the earth’s temperature even further.
Part C
How could the melting of the Arctic ice cap affect climate in other parts of the world?
The decrease in ice means that more sun is absorbed by the water, raising the temperature of the earth globally.
How could the melting of the Arctic ice cap contribute to carbon in the atmosphere?
Carbon and methane trapped in the permafrost is released into the atmosphere as melting occurs. Carbon may also be increased as more energy, e.g. air conditioning and refrigeration, is consumed to reduce higher temperatures.
Part D
How will Greenland’s ice sheet be affected by the Arctic ice cap melt?
Greenland’s ice covering is melting too. This melt will contribute to higher ocean levels and cause loss of land mass and infrastructure stability in inhabited areas of Greenland.
What effects will the changes to Greenland’s ice sheet have on the hydrosphere?
Scientist believe if just the Greenland Ice sheets were to melt that there would be a sea level rise of around 20 feet the ice caps could have a huge impact on the hydrosphere the Hydrosphere is all the water in the world including oceans,seas, lakes, ponds, rivers and streams
Part E
How have animals such as polar bears, whales, walruses, and seals been affected?
The melting ice cap has affected the ecosystem of the arctic, changing migratory patterns as previously accessible areas and traditional food and breeding grounds become inaccessible and new areas are opened up.
How does the melting ice cap affect hunting and fishing by aboriginal people?
As migratory patterns of the animals and fish change, and in some cases as populations are reduced, the traditional hunting and fishing grounds of aboriginal people are no longer able to sustain those that rely on them. This will result in aboriginal peoples needing to supplement the gap with food from brought in from other locations, increasing energy consumption, or relocating long established communities to other areas.
Part F
How does the melting of the Arctic ice cap show that the earth’s spheres are interconnected?
The ice caps melting show the earth spheres are connected because they have all been affected by the change. The melting ice cap, part of the Cryosphere, has impacted and is impacted by changes in the others spheres.
Do you think the melting of the Arctic ice cap could be considered a global problem? Why or why not?
Yes, the melting ice cap is a global problem as the consequences are not confined to a specific area and are significant enough to effect the global population.
Reflection:
I really enjoyed doing this project because it was interesting seeing what’s really going on in the world it was sad and scary knowing that people are polluting our earth. it was disappointing to know so many people don’t believe in global warming. I wasn’t aware of all that was going on until after this project
Wood Bug assignment
Reflection:
We enjoyed doing this project together we got to see how woodbugs would act in new and different enviroments. My partner and i first started with what we wanted to do which was what food to the like or prefer to conduct our experiment.