Outline two climatic characteristics of a periglacial extreme environment.

Describe two characteristics of permafrost.

Explain the role of water in two weathering processes in hot, arid environments.

“Global climate change will create more challenges than opportunities for indigenous populations.” Discuss this statement, with reference to one or more extreme environments.

Award [1] each for any of the following, up to [2].

Possibilities include:

• high annual temperature range
• low precipitation
• high wind speeds
• low minimum temperature
• different length of seasons.

Award [1] each for any of the following, up to [2].

Possibilities include:

• ground is frozen to considerable depth
• upper layer or active layer seasonally thaws
• continuous, sporadic or discontinuous.

Award [1] for each process identified and a further [2] for explanation.

Possibilities include: exfoliation, granular and block disintegration, freeze-thaw, salt crystal growth, carbonation, oxidation, hydrolysis. Do not credit erosional processes such as sand abrasion.

For example: Freeze-thaw/frost shattering [1] occurs in areas where moisture enters the joints and crevices in desert rocks [1] and at night the temperature drops below 0°C, causing the water in the crack to freeze and expand [1].

The question is not limited to one area so there may be more than one indigenous population and more than one extreme environment.

Indigenous peoples are among the first to face the direct consequences of climate change, owing to their dependence upon, and close relationship with, the environment and its resources. Climate change may exacerbate the difficulties already being faced in these areas (for example, political and economic marginalization, loss of land and resources, human rights violations, discrimination and unemployment).

However, global climate change may bring increased opportunities. For example, in the Arctic: increased navigation, lengthened growing season, more opportunities for sedentary agriculture / forestry / tourism / sea fishing / hunting. In hot, arid areas: better grazing potential, more food production and more reliable water supply.

Good answers should progress beyond simply agreeing with or rejecting the statement and will discuss the validity of the statement. For example: the scale of the climate change, the degree to which indigenous population groups have been assimilated into society.

Another approach might be to provide a structured discussion of different kinds of opportunities and challenges found in an extreme environment and arrive at an evidenced conclusion.

At band D, expect some description of challenges and/or opportunities.

At band E, expect either more detailed explanation of challenges and opportunities for indigenous populations or a structured evaluation of the statement.

At band F, expect both.

Marks should be allocated according to the Paper 2 markbands (available under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials).