Cold environments
AQA GCSE Geography revision on Cold environments. Aligned to the AQA GCSE Geography 8035 specification. This bank has 10 practice questions on this topic.
Sample questions (3 of 10)
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Question 1
Which term describes ground that remains permanently frozen for at least two consecutive years?
- A) Permafrost
- B) Glacial till
- C) Active layer
- D) Tundra
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Answer: Permafrost
Permafrost occurs where temperatures stay below zero degrees Celsius for long periods. It acts as a solid base for the landscape but can cause significant engineering challenges when it thaws due to climate change.
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Question 2
What is the name of the process where water enters cracks in rocks, freezes, and causes the rock to shatter?
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Answer: Frost shattering
When water freezes in rock crevices, it expands by approximately 9 percent. This exerts immense pressure on the surrounding rock, eventually forcing it to fracture and break apart over repeated cycles.
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Question 3
Which of the following is a characteristic adaptation of vegetation in the tundra biome?
- A) Broad leaves to catch sunlight
- B) Deep taproots to reach groundwater
- C) Low-growing height to avoid wind damage
- D) Large colourful flowers to attract bees
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Answer: Low-growing height to avoid wind damage
The tundra is characterised by high wind speeds and very cold temperatures. By staying low to the ground, plants are insulated by snow cover and protected from the abrasive effects of wind-blown ice crystals.
Want to test yourself on the remaining cards for this topic?
7 more questions on Cold environments — plus mistakes tracking and spaced repetition across the whole Geography spec.