Barriers to Development
- Extreme environments present challenges to development of human settlements and activities.
- These barriers stem from natural and human factors, such as:
- Harsh climates.
- Difficult terrain.
- Limited resources.
- Remoteness and inaccessibility.
Relief and Climate: Natural Obstacles to Development
Steep Slopes and Poor Soils
Steep Slopes:
- Building infrastructure on steep slopes is costly and risky due to landslides and erosion.
- Agriculture is challenging as soil is often thin and unstable.
Poor Soils:
- In cold environments, soils are often frozen (permafrost) or waterlogged, limiting plant growth.
- In deserts, soils are dry and lack nutrients, making farming difficult without irrigation.
Himalayan Mountains: Steep slopes and thin soils hinder agriculture and infrastructure development, forcing communities to rely on terrace farming and traditional building methods.
Extreme Temperatures
Cold Environments:
- Low temperatures reduce the growing season and increase heating costs for homes and businesses.
Hot Environments:
- High temperatures increase water evaporation, leading to scarcity.
- Infrastructure deteriorates faster under intense heat.
Human Discomfort: Challenges to Livability
Difficulty in Agriculture
Cold Environments:
- Short growing seasons and frozen soils limit crop production.
Hot Environments:
- Water scarcity and salinization make irrigation costly and inefficient.
Atacama Desert, Chile: One of the driest places on Earth, where water scarcity and soil salinization hinder agriculture.
Water Scarcity
Cold Environments:
- Water is often locked in ice, making it inaccessible.
Hot Environments:
- Limited rainfall and high evaporation rates exacerbate water shortages.
In the Sahara Desert, communities rely on ancient wells and oases, but these sources are increasingly threatened by overuse and climate change.
Exposure to Harsh Conditions
Cold Environments:
- Frostbite, hypothermia, and isolation during winter months.
