Arctic region takes in the high latitudes, the boundary of which is the Arctic Circle.On the fragile ecosystem of the region have had a negative impact of natural factors and human activities.This article lists the specific environmental problems in the Arctic zone of deserts and the entire region, including the Arctic Ocean to the seas, coasts and islands.
Environmental problems of Arctic
Natural and geographical features of the region are connected with his position in the high latitudes and the predominance of aquatic ecosystems.In 1991, the governments of the countries that have territory in the Arctic Circle, adopt a strategy to protect the Arctic environment.After 5 years, was signed in Ottawa Declaration and established the Arctic Council.The main objectives of its work related to the sustainable development of the Arctic region.Existing environmental program of the United Nations, namely, UNEP identified the major environmental problems:
- contamination of the Arctic seas with oil products;
- warming, leading to the melting of the polar ice caps;
- increase in catch of fish and other seafood;
- habitat modification of organisms in the Arctic;
- declining populations of polar animals;
- intensive shipping.
Climate Change
Map arctic desert area now occupies a small area on the coast of Greenland, Eurasia, North America, the archipelago and the islands of the Arctic Ocean.The researchers argue that the long-term average air temperature in the Arctic Circle are increasing faster than in other regions.This has already led to a reduction in the area of a natural area, and in the future it may disappear.
climate warming on the map the zone of Arctic deserts everywhere replaced by tundra.It threatens the extinction of many species of flora and fauna adapted to the existing temperature indicators.The life of indigenous Arctic peoples, too, is at risk, because the life of the population for centuries formed in close cooperation with the flora and fauna.
melting of Arctic ice and snow
Hydrometeorological Service of Russia for the past 30 years there has been a reduction in the sea ice area in the north.The rate of melting has increased in the last decade of the XX century.During the same period, studies revealed a reduction of thickness of the ice cover in 2 times.Experts believe that during the XXI century, these processes continue.Environmental problems will be exacerbated by sea, for example, summer water areas of the Arctic will almost completely free of ice.Previously, will be opened on the river basin of the Arctic Ocean.The changes will affect large areas at a distance of hundreds and thousands of kilometers from the coast.
Air and water pollution
main environmental problems in the area of arctic deserts and tundra are associated with the transfer of air masses from the industrialized regions of northwest Russia, Central and Northern Europe.There is a loss of so-called acid rain - water solutions of sulfur and nitrogen oxides.Such deposits adversely affect the entire fragile ecosystem of the Arctic, destroying a thin layer of soil in the tundra, have a negative impact on the livelihoods of aquatic organisms that are represented in the diagram below.
main sources of pollution, aggravating environmental problems in the area of the arctic desert - is mining and transport.The region also has military bases and industrial facilities processing natural raw materials.The ecosystem of the fall:
- emissions and discharges of industrial enterprises and public utilities;
- food production and processing of hydrocarbons (oil and gas);
- heavy metals and other metallurgical wastes;
- certain toxic substances (phenol, ammonia and others);
- many pollutants from coastal bases;
- waste vessels operating on an atomic fuel.
projections of the ecological situation in the Arctic
Experts believe that in the northern polar region of the world, the Arctic desert zone in particular, will continue to be subjected to the powerful anthropogenic pollution.Increase the amount of work on the continental shelf, where now intensively conducted extraction and transportation of natural resources.Tens of thousands of oil derricks pump oil in the Arctic, according to environmental organizations, every second of them occur leakage of raw materials.
Environmental problems in the zone arctic desert.Reducing biodiversity
Fauna cold icy expanse of the Arctic Circle is represented by a small number of mammalian species.Reptiles and amphibians in this region are absent.The number of birds is about 4 times higher than that of mammals.This is due to the high mobility of the birds, their seasonal migrations, the ability to migrate long distances in search of food.On the islands and the coast, where there are small areas of the Arctic desert fauna is represented by mammals and birds.There are walruses, seals, polar bears, arctic foxes, lemmings.The most numerous representatives of waterfowl - a duck, eider ducks, murres and guillemots.
Environmental problems in the area of Arctic deserts are associated with the "rookeries" - unusual colonies of birds.They are vulnerable because of the shipping, requires their protection, especially during the nesting period.
Conservancy Arctic Circle
Experts say that significant harm to the fragile ecosystem of the Arctic causes hunting.For example, the poachers in the waters pertaining to Russia annually produces about 300 polar bears.
other environmental threats in the region, demanding incessant attention of environmental organizations:
- environmental degradation;
- growing anthropogenic load;
- increase the amount of waste, the problem of their disposal;
- climate change.
simultaneously with the melting ice is reduced as the permafrost zone, there are dangerous meteorological phenomena on the rivers belonging to this pool.Native and alien population in the Arctic Circle also suffers from pollution vulnerable nature of the region.The environmental problems of the Arctic are not only regional but also global significance.In the Russian Federation to preserve wildlife, protect nature from pollution and degradation created by the Arctic reserves.The largest of them: Kandalaksha, Great Arctic, Wrangel Island, Taimyr.
