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Niamh Cooke
03/09/2025
Geography
The Arctic Tundra case study
479
•
3 Sept 2025
•
Discover the Arctic Tundra: Permafrost, Carbon Cycle, and Cool Animals
Niamh Cooke
@niamhcooke_yelp
1 / 2
Human Impact on Arctic Tundra: Oil and Gas Extraction
The North Slope of Alaska, a vast wilderness of tundra, has been significantly impacted by oil and gas extraction since the discovery of these resources at Prudhoe Bay in 1968. This human activity has had profound effects on the Arctic tundra permafrost carbon cycle and the overall ecosystem.
Definition: North Slope - The region of Alaska north of the Brooks Range, extending to the Arctic Ocean.
The challenges of oil and gas extraction in the Arctic tundra include harsh climate conditions, extreme cold, long dark periods, permafrost, melting active layer, and poor accessibility. Despite these challenges, production has been driven by high global energy prices and U.S. policy to reduce imports.
Quote: "Early 1990's - North Slope gave US 25% of its domestic oil production. Today it is 4% due to high production cost + growth of industry."
The impacts of oil and gas extraction on the carbon and water cycles in the Arctic tundra are significant:
- Localized melting of permafrost due to construction and operation of installations, settlements, and infrastructure.
- Release of CO₂ and methane from melting permafrost, with CO₂ loss varying from 7-40 million tonnes annually.
- Destruction of vegetation, reducing photosynthesis and uptake of CO₂ from the atmosphere.
- Increased microbial activity and decomposition due to soil thawing, leading to higher CO₂ emissions.
- Water abstraction from creeks and rivers for industrial use, reducing localized runoff.
- Creation of artificial lakes through strip mining of aggregates, disrupting drainage and melting permafrost.
Highlight: North Slope emissions have increased by 73% since 1975 due to industrial activities.
To moderate the impacts of oil and gas extraction, several strategies have been implemented:
- Construction of insulated ice and gravel pads for roads to protect permafrost from melting.
- Elevation of buildings and pipelines on piles to allow cold air circulation and provide insulation.
- Use of more powerful computers for remote detection of oil and gas-bearing geological structures, reducing the need for exploration wells and minimizing environmental impact.
These strategies aim to mitigate the negative effects of human activities on the Arctic tundra permafrost carbon cycle and the overall ecosystem. However, the long-term consequences of oil and gas extraction in this fragile environment remain a concern for scientists and environmentalists alike.
Arctic Tundra Overview
The Arctic tundra is a vast, cold biome covering 8 million km² across Northern Canada, Alaska, and Siberia. This harsh environment is characterized by extreme climate conditions, with mean temperatures of -15°C and a short growing season of only 3 months. The Arctic tundra permafrost carbon cycle is a critical component of this ecosystem, influencing both local and global climate patterns.
Vocabulary: Permafrost - Permanently frozen ground that remains at or below 0°C for at least two consecutive years.
The water cycle in the Arctic tundra is heavily influenced by the presence of permafrost, which acts as a barrier to infiltration and groundwater flow. This results in unique hydrological features such as extensive wetlands, ponds, and lakes during the summer months.
Highlight: The Arctic tundra's permafrost is a vast carbon sink, globally containing 1600 GT of carbon.
The carbon cycle in the Arctic tundra is characterized by slow decomposition rates due to low temperatures, resulting in the accumulation of carbon in the soil. This makes the Arctic tundra permafrost carbon cycle a crucial factor in global climate regulation.
Example: The carbon stored in Arctic tundra soils is five times more than that in biomass.
The physical factors, seasonal changes, and stores and flows of the carbon and water cycles in the Arctic tundra are intricately linked. The presence of permafrost, low temperatures, and limited liquid water availability all contribute to the unique characteristics of this ecosystem.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Discover the Arctic Tundra: Permafrost, Carbon Cycle, and Cool Animals
Niamh Cooke
@niamhcooke_yelp
The Arctic tundra is a unique and fragile ecosystem characterized by extreme climate conditions, permafrost, and low biodiversity. This summary explores the water and carbon cycles in the Arctic tundra, as well as the impact of human activities, particularly oil... Show more
Human Impact on Arctic Tundra: Oil and Gas Extraction
The North Slope of Alaska, a vast wilderness of tundra, has been significantly impacted by oil and gas extraction since the discovery of these resources at Prudhoe Bay in 1968. This human activity has had profound effects on the Arctic tundra permafrost carbon cycle and the overall ecosystem.
Definition: North Slope - The region of Alaska north of the Brooks Range, extending to the Arctic Ocean.
The challenges of oil and gas extraction in the Arctic tundra include harsh climate conditions, extreme cold, long dark periods, permafrost, melting active layer, and poor accessibility. Despite these challenges, production has been driven by high global energy prices and U.S. policy to reduce imports.
Quote: "Early 1990's - North Slope gave US 25% of its domestic oil production. Today it is 4% due to high production cost + growth of industry."
The impacts of oil and gas extraction on the carbon and water cycles in the Arctic tundra are significant:
- Localized melting of permafrost due to construction and operation of installations, settlements, and infrastructure.
- Release of CO₂ and methane from melting permafrost, with CO₂ loss varying from 7-40 million tonnes annually.
- Destruction of vegetation, reducing photosynthesis and uptake of CO₂ from the atmosphere.
- Increased microbial activity and decomposition due to soil thawing, leading to higher CO₂ emissions.
- Water abstraction from creeks and rivers for industrial use, reducing localized runoff.
- Creation of artificial lakes through strip mining of aggregates, disrupting drainage and melting permafrost.
Highlight: North Slope emissions have increased by 73% since 1975 due to industrial activities.
To moderate the impacts of oil and gas extraction, several strategies have been implemented:
- Construction of insulated ice and gravel pads for roads to protect permafrost from melting.
- Elevation of buildings and pipelines on piles to allow cold air circulation and provide insulation.
- Use of more powerful computers for remote detection of oil and gas-bearing geological structures, reducing the need for exploration wells and minimizing environmental impact.
These strategies aim to mitigate the negative effects of human activities on the Arctic tundra permafrost carbon cycle and the overall ecosystem. However, the long-term consequences of oil and gas extraction in this fragile environment remain a concern for scientists and environmentalists alike.
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Arctic Tundra Overview
The Arctic tundra is a vast, cold biome covering 8 million km² across Northern Canada, Alaska, and Siberia. This harsh environment is characterized by extreme climate conditions, with mean temperatures of -15°C and a short growing season of only 3 months. The Arctic tundra permafrost carbon cycle is a critical component of this ecosystem, influencing both local and global climate patterns.
Vocabulary: Permafrost - Permanently frozen ground that remains at or below 0°C for at least two consecutive years.
The water cycle in the Arctic tundra is heavily influenced by the presence of permafrost, which acts as a barrier to infiltration and groundwater flow. This results in unique hydrological features such as extensive wetlands, ponds, and lakes during the summer months.
Highlight: The Arctic tundra's permafrost is a vast carbon sink, globally containing 1600 GT of carbon.
The carbon cycle in the Arctic tundra is characterized by slow decomposition rates due to low temperatures, resulting in the accumulation of carbon in the soil. This makes the Arctic tundra permafrost carbon cycle a crucial factor in global climate regulation.
Example: The carbon stored in Arctic tundra soils is five times more than that in biomass.
The physical factors, seasonal changes, and stores and flows of the carbon and water cycles in the Arctic tundra are intricately linked. The presence of permafrost, low temperatures, and limited liquid water availability all contribute to the unique characteristics of this ecosystem.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user