Description

The main local features of a cold climate are lower temperatures, a lower amount of precipitation, different precipitation (e.g. more snow) and a seasonally frozen ground. Permafrost and/or a local ice sheet may also develop in a cold climate.

Global features of a cold climate include larger polar ice caps and corresponding low sea level.

Category

Category of FEP

Geosynthesis

Sub-category

Sub-category of FEP

External geodynamic events - climate change

Ondraf Niras FEP Number

Ondraf Niras FEP Number

16

FEP Effects

Description of FEP Effects

Sea level drop (see FEP 17); therefore baseline for erosion lowered, leading to increased erosion and reduced overlying rock mass (see FEP 31). Increased frost weathering and erosivity of precipitation. Recharge conditions may be less favourable as a result of reduced infiltration rate. Changes in gradient over host rock (due to sea level drop). Possible changes in geochemical properties; influx of oxygen-rich water. Dilution capacity of aquifer changes. Permafrost (see FEP 18). Local ice sheet (see FEP 19). Changes to surface geography and biology.

Reference(s)

References Relevant to FEP

ER-184_I2 RD&D Plan

NEA TN2 IFEP Reference(s)

Related IFEPs from the NEA TN2 List of Proposed IFEP Revisions [NEA/RWM/R(2013)8]

1.3.4 Periglacial effects.