Title: How is Human Activity affecting the Tundra Environment ? - A-Level Geography - Marked by Teachers.com
Headings: How is Human Activity affecting the Tundra Environment ?
How is Human Activity affecting the Tundra Environment ?
Content: Warmer temperatures lead to quicker snow melt and for an area entirely dependent on tourists who come there for snow sports this is bad for business. An over reliance on tourism could leave the entire area in a massive depression if the climate continues warming . A depression in the Alps would mean mass unemployment and depopulation without tourists to rely on for jobs and a steady income much like the disappearance of coal in South Wales which led to a depression there . Before that happens however, tourism will continue to affect the Alpine Tundra . Snowmobiles which are a big attraction are a hazard on the plants that grow in the area .Lichens and Shrubs are very easily destroyed and in the Tundra chances of recovery range from little to non – existent .Grasses are much tougher and eventually cover the entire area severely reducing the biodiversity . Walkers also affect the vegetation in theTundra as paths are soon formed by the repetitive footprints and while this would not be a big problem in a different climate such as the Uk . In the tundra the effect is increased as the plants don’t spring back up after a 100 people whereas it could take a 1000 to permanently make paths on a grassy area in the Uk. The authorities have tried to counter this by creating sand and gravel roads for walkers . While these take the pressure away from the plant species ,the sand has been found to contaminate the thin peaty soil located in the Alpine region .This contamination in turn affects what plants can and can’t grow in the area. The walkers normally campers going to different sites in the area and this again has a negative effect on the Alpine Tundra if not policed properly .Just like walking on the plants can damage them , mass camping in one spot in this fragile region can ruin it permanently .