Chapter 21, Problem 1ACQ

Figure 21.6 The Svalbard seed vault is located on Spitsbergen island in Norway, which has an arctic climate. Why might an arctic climate be good for seed Storage?

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The advantage of the Arctic environment for storing the seeds.

Introduction:

The Arctic is a polar region present near the north pole. It is the northernmost part of the earth and experiences very low temperature throughout the year.

Explanation of Solution

The storage of the seed requires a very low temperature. For maintaining a low temperature, many different types of freezing techniques are used. All these techniques require high cost and maintenance. In the Arctic region, where the temperature is normally very low, the seeds can be stored without electricity. Hence, the storage and the maintenance would decrease upto a significant level.

Conclusion

The Arctic environment provides a very low temperature, which makes it suitable for cold storage of seeds.