2. Geographic Processes in Polar Lands Atmospheric Processes Biotic Processes Geomorphic Processes Hydrologic Processes © Karen Devine 2010

3. Atmospheric Processes in Polar Lands  Antarctica is the coldest place on earth.  The lowest recorded temperature is -89.6° C. © Karen Devine 2010

4. Atmospheric Processes in Polar Lands  Wind speeds in Antarctica can be 320 km/hr.  This contributes to the wind chill factor. © Karen Devine 2010

5. Atmospheric Processes in Polar Lands  The energy from the sun which reaches the poles is reflected back so: a) the land surface does not warm up b) the air above the land’s surface does not warm up. © Karen Devine 2010

6. Atmospheric Processes in Polar Lands  High pressure systems are predominant in the poles so there is: a) little precipitation b) generally fine, sunny weather. © Karen Devine 2010

7. Atmospheric Processes in Polar Lands  Blizzards are prevalent in polar lands and are also known as katabatic winds.  Katabatic winds are cold, dense air which can continually blow for weeks. © Karen Devine 2010

8. Atmospheric Processes in Polar Lands  Winds erode the landscape of the poles. © Karen Devine 2010

9. Biotic Processes in Polar Lands  The harsh conditions make it difficult for living things to survive.  The permafrost prevents any trees from growing.  Small plants are still able to survive the harsh conditions. © Karen Devine 2010

10. Humans  Some indigenous people’s live in polar lands for instance: a) the Sami Communities of Europe b) the Inuit of Northern Canada. © Karen Devine 2010

11. Humans  Antarctica has no indigenous people.  Antarctica’s human temporary residents are either explorers or scientists. © Karen Devine 2010

12. Humans  Survival in polar lands may require: a) the ability to hunt b) the ability to migrate c) clothes often made from animal skins or furs which must cover exposed skin to prevent frostbite d) the ability to build shelter from snow, stone or sod e) use of dog sleds and kayaks. © Karen Devine 2010

13. Penguins  Chinstrap penguins  Adelie penguins  Magellanic penguins  Emperor penguins are the only birds to breed in Antarctica. © Karen Devine 2010

14. Krill  Shrimp-like animal which is vital in the Antarctic food chain. © Karen Devine 2010

15. Whales  Orcas  Humpbacks  Sperm whales  Whales feed on krill, fish, octopus in the Southern and Arctic Oceans. © Karen Devine 2010

16. Seals  Many species of seals, particularly leopard seals in Antarctica feed on penguins, fish, squid and other seals. © Karen Devine 2010

17. Birds  Snow Petrels feed on krill.  Arctic terns migrate between both polar regions.  Magellanic Penguins migrate between South America and Antarctica.

18. Birds  Southern Giant Petrels are the scavengers of polar lands.  Albatrosses are known to travel thousands of kilometres in search of food.  Skua are like “seagulls”, preying on eggs and chicks of other birds. © Karen Devine 2010

19. Bears  Polar bears are only found in the Arctic where they feed on fish and seals. © Karen Devine 2010

20. Geomorphic Processes in Polar Lands  The harsh climate has a great influence on the shape of the Arctic and Antarctica.  Ice covers the Antarctic continent and its average depth is 2500 metres. © Karen Devine 2010

21. Geomorphic Processes in Polar Lands  The weight of the ice coverage forms glaciers which slowly erode the land as they slide down the mountains towards the oceans. © Karen Devine 2010

22. Geomorphic Processes in Polar Lands  When glaciers spill into the ocean they form ice sheets or ice shelves. © Karen Devine 2010

23. Geomorphic Processes in Polar Lands  Ice bergs form when the floating ice shelves break away.  The cold temperature in winter also freezes the ocean and causes the growth of sea ice. © Karen Devine 2010

24. Geomorphic Processes in Polar Lands  Katabatic winds carry ice particles and have an erosive effect on the landscape.  The shapes created by winds in the ice are known as sastrugi. © Karen Devine 2010

25. Hydrologic Processes in Polar Lands  Polar lands are the driest places on earth.  Precipitation and humidity are very low at the poles.  It is simply too cold for it to rain. © Karen Devine 2010

26. Hydrologic Processes in Polar Lands  The ice which covers the Antarctic land mass can be up to 5 kilometres thick.  The ice stores nearly 70% of the earth’s fresh water. © Karen Devine 2010

27. Hydrologic Processes in Polar Lands  The water contained at the poles is in the form of: a) glaciers b) ice shelves c) ice bergs d) sea ice e) pack ice f) ice sheets. © Karen Devine 2010

28. Hydrologic Processes in Polar Lands  The waters which surround the polar lands are rich with marine life, both plants and animals, due to the high oxygen levels. © Karen Devine 2010