Analyze which statement best captures how thawing permafrost changes Earth's physical geography.
(1 point)
• Thawing permafrost leads to the creation of lakes and swamps where there were none.
• Thawing permafrost leads to grasses and lichens pushing out shrub species.
• Thawing permafrost is leading to an increase in mammal populations
• Thawing permafrost leads to fewer beaver ponds
The statement "Thawing permafrost leads to the creation of lakes and swamps where there were none" best captures how thawing permafrost changes Earth's physical geography.
The statement that best captures how thawing permafrost changes Earth's physical geography is: "Thawing permafrost leads to the creation of lakes and swamps where there were none." Thawing permafrost can cause the release of trapped water, resulting in the formation of new lakes and swamps in areas where they were previously absent.
To analyze which statement best captures how thawing permafrost changes Earth's physical geography, we can examine the potential effects of permafrost thawing and compare them to the statements provided.
1. "Thawing permafrost leads to the creation of lakes and swamps where there were none."
Thawing permafrost can indeed lead to the creation of lakes and swamps. Permafrost is a layer of permanently frozen soil or sediment that acts as a barrier, preventing water from draining into the ground. When the permafrost thaws, the water gets trapped, creating new water bodies like lakes and swamps. This statement is consistent with the potential effects of permafrost thawing.
2. "Thawing permafrost leads to grasses and lichens pushing out shrub species."
Thawing permafrost can cause changes in vegetation, but it does not necessarily lead to grasses and lichens pushing out shrub species. The specific changes in vegetation patterns depend on factors such as soil composition, drainage patterns, and the overall impact of permafrost thaw on plant communities. While the statement suggests a possible consequence of permafrost thawing, it is not universally applicable and may not always hold true.
3. "Thawing permafrost is leading to an increase in mammal populations."
The effect of permafrost thawing on mammal populations is not directly stated or universally observed. Thawing permafrost may have indirect effects on mammal populations by altering their habitats, food availability, or migration patterns. However, a direct correlation between thawing permafrost and an increase in mammal populations is not supported by the statement or broadly established in scientific literature.
4. "Thawing permafrost leads to fewer beaver ponds."
Thawing permafrost does not necessarily lead to fewer beaver ponds. Beaver ponds are created by beavers damming rivers or streams, which is unrelated to permafrost. Although permafrost thawing can lead to changes in hydrology and alter water flow patterns, it does not directly impact the presence or abundance of beaver ponds.
Based on the information provided, the statement that best captures how thawing permafrost changes the Earth's physical geography is:
"Thawing permafrost leads to the creation of lakes and swamps where there were none."