Junior Cycle Geography CYCLONE Travelling to the Alps by Road and Rail
There are a number of roads and railway lines that travel directly through the Alps. These come from the countries that border the Alps. At over 11 km, the Mont Blanc Tunnel is the longest road tunnel running through the Alps. It links France to Italy and passes near numerous resorts.
The longest railway tunnel running through the Alps is also the longest tunnel in the world. It is called the Gotthard Tunnel and is over 59 km long.
The Mont Blanc Tunnel The Gotthard Tunnel
How Alpine Tourism Affects the Physical Landscape
With the popularity of tourism in the region increasing year on year, the landscape of the Alps has suffered.
Road networks are being constructed and improved in the region to allow for better access. However, the natural slopes of the mountains are being destroyed to allow for this.
Modern downhill skiing or snowboarding needs well-prepared and large ski runs to remain attractive to tourists. Creating these ski slopes has also increased the rate of erosion in the Alps.
Air pollution is impacting the physical world of Alpine regions. Fossil fuels used in transport release emissions. Carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide can sometimes become trapped in the region when weather is calm and winds are weaker.
Search online for the article ‘Amazing view and dirty air in the French Alps – BBC News’ (7 March 2017). Read the article and then answer these questions.
1. Give two reasons as to why air pollution is so bad in this region.
2. What is the main cause of air pollution, according to the article?
3. List three measures being taken by the local government to decrease levels of air pollution in the region.