Arctic tundra

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Tundra looking south toward Brooks Range, Alaska

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Tundra coastal vegetation Alaska

Low arctic tundra (winter)

Arctic Tundra is a type of biome characterized by its cold, harsh climate, lack of significant vegetation, and low biodiversity. It is one of the most extreme environments on Earth, with average annual temperatures ranging from -40 to 18 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite these harsh conditions, the Arctic Tundra is home to a variety of species adapted to survive in its extreme environment.

Geography

The Arctic Tundra is located in the northern hemisphere, encircling the North Pole and extending south to the coniferous forests of the taiga. The major regions of the Arctic Tundra are in Canada, Russia, Greenland, and Scandinavia. The landscape is flat, with few trees due to the harsh climate and the presence of permafrost, a layer of permanently frozen subsoil.

Climate

The Arctic Tundra is known for its cold, desert-like conditions. The average annual temperature is -30 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but summer temperatures can reach 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Precipitation totals 6 to 10 inches a year, including melted snow. The Arctic Tundra is also characterized by strong, cold winds.

Flora and Fauna

Despite the harsh conditions, a variety of plants and animals call the Arctic Tundra home. Plant life includes mosses, lichens, sedges, perennial forbs, and dwarf shrubs and trees. Animal life includes arctic foxes, wolves, polar bears, caribou, musk oxen, and a variety of bird species.

Human Impact

Human activities have had significant impacts on the Arctic Tundra. Climate change, in particular, threatens this fragile ecosystem. As global temperatures rise, the permafrost thaws, releasing large amounts of stored carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere, further accelerating global warming. Oil and gas exploration also pose threats to the tundra's wildlife and can damage the permafrost.

See Also

• Biome
• Permafrost
• Climate change
• Global warming

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