Photo AI
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
Assess the impact of human activity on natural systems
Answer
In a glaciated landscape such as Svalbard, exploration of human activities reveals significant pressures on natural systems. Activities such as tourism, fishing, and mining alter the physical landscape and disrupt ecological balances.
- Tourism: Approximately 70,000 tourists visit Svalbard annually, leading to environmental degradation, pollution, and habitat disturbance. This influx requires sustainable practices to mitigate negative impacts.
- Fishing: While fishing activities are deemed sustainable under Norwegian guidelines, overfishing presents threats to marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Mining: Industrial activities like coal mining greatly disrupt local landscapes and contribute to environmental pollution. Mining operations also pose risks for glacial melting through pollution and resource exploitation.
Step 2
Assess the impact of human activity on the physical landscape
Answer
Human activities significantly reshape the physical landscape through land use changes and resource extraction. Key impacts include:
- Melting Glaciers: Climate change driven by increased carbon emissions from industrial activities results in accelerated melting of glaciers. This phenomenon contributes to sea-level rise and alters local ecosystems.
- Infrastructure Development: The establishment of towns and infrastructure for mining and tourism alters natural landforms, leading to habitat fragmentation and erosion.
- Glacial Retreat: As climate conditions shift, patterns of glacier advance and retreat are affected. Human-induced climate changes force glacial systems into rapid retreat, leading to changes in local hydrology and geomorphology.
Additionally, the consistent monitoring of these activities is critical to develop conservation strategies aimed at minimizing negative impacts.
Step 3
Consider conservation strategies
Answer
To counteract the adverse effects of human activity, robust conservation strategies must be implemented.
- Protected Areas: Establishing designated protected areas helps to conserve critical habitats and biodiversity in glaciated landscapes. Examples include national parks in Svalbard which restrict access to sensitive regions.
- Sustainable Practices: Implementing sustainable tourism and fishing practices can minimize ecological damage. Guidelines for tourist behavior are essential in reducing disturbance to wildlife and habitats.
- Public Awareness and Legislation: Educating the public on the importance of conservation and legal measures imposed by the government can foster better practices and promote environmental stewardship among local and visiting populations.