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Year 9 - Geography

Climate change in polar regions

Ice and glaciers: How are cold places affected by a warming planet?

Unit Summary

This unit teaches pupils about the physical processes that influence cold places around the world and how areas of ice have changed over time due to climatic variations. Pupils will learn about the impact of global warming on glaciated areas and what this means for the future of our planet.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe the impacts of climate change on the polar regions.

Key Notes

  • Climate change is affecting polar regions which are experiencing warming at a faster rate than other places.
  • The Arctic ice cap is shrinking at a rate of 13% per decade
  • Permafrost is melting and habitats are shrinkingfor species that rely on cold environments.
  • There are signs of change in Antarctica due to climate change.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • permafrost: ground that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years, typically found in polar regions
  • Arctic ice pack: sea ice cover of the Arctic Ocean; it has a regular seasonal cycle of spring and summer melt and accumulation in autumn and winter
  • habitat Loss: the decline of natural environments that support wildlife, often due to climate change
  • ice sheet: a continental glacier; a mass of ice that is greater than 50 000 km²

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Melting sea ice does not impact ocean currents.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.

Climate change is affecting polar regions which are experiencing warming at a faster rate than other places. The Arctic ice cap is shrinking at a rate of 13% per decade.

2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'permafrost'

ground that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years, typically found in polar regions.

3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.

Mistake: Melting sea ice does not impact ocean currents. Correction: Melting ice alters the balance of freshwater and saltwater in the ocean, which can disrupt major ocean currents like the Gulf Stream.

More Lessons In This Unit

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