Question

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is located on

Spitsbergen island in Norway, which has an arctic

climate. Why might an arctic climate be good for seed

storage?

Short answer

As the seed vault is located 13,000 km from the north pole. The arctic climate is suitable for the storage of seeds which ensures low metabolic activity and aging of seeds.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Given information

Svalbard seed vault is a seed bank located on Spitsbergen island of seeds which holds about 4000 species in seeds and 840,000 species in total. This vault ensures globally minimize extinction of plants.

Step 2. Explanation

On the north pole, the soil is frozen throughout the year. Such soils are called permafrost soil. Actually, the arctic climate is suitable for seed storage. The seed vault has a storage room with -18 degrees Celsius which ensures the low metabolic activity of seeds. By the means of seed banks, the seeds are conserved for a long time and ultimately it prevents the accidental loss of diversity.