The Arctic tundra is located in the northern hemisphere and known for its cold, desert-like conditions. The average winter temperature is -30° F, but the average summer temperature is 37-54° F which enables this biome to sustain life. Rainfall may vary in different regions of the arctic. A layer of permanently frozen subsoil called permafrost exists, consisting mostly of gravel and finer material. When water saturates the upper surface, bogs and ponds may form, providing moisture for plants.  

http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/habitats/tundra-­‐threats/  

http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/tundra_animal_page.htm    

http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/habitats/tundra-­‐threats/    

http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibits/biomes/tundra.php    

 

 

Sources    Arctic  Tundra  

Sydney  Galando,  Marissa  TR,  Abigail  Jemley  

Climate  and  Environmental  Issues  

Due to global warming the permafrost layer of the arctic tundra has began melting. If the permafrost completely melts then some species currently living there won’t survive. Also the search for more oil in the arctic tundra can cause melting of ice making it hard for many species to survive.

 

Plant and Animal Life

There  is  a  wide  range  of  plants  and  animals  found  in  the  arctic  tundra.  Some  of  the  most  common  animals  are  the  polar  bear,  arctic  fox,  and  caribou.  Well  known  plants  consist  of  arctic  moss,  arctic  willow,  and  bear  berry.    

Many  animals  living  in  the  arctic  grow  thick  fur  and  have  short  ears  and  tails  to  conserve  heat.    

Plants  in  the  arctic  tundra  are  mainly  perennials,  meaning  they  don’t  die  during  winter.  They  are  also  able  to  grow  quickly  because  of  short  hours  of  sunlight  during  the  summer.    

Features  of  the  Tundra  

and  exciting  activities  !  

The arctic tundra is covered in permafrost meaning that the ground is permanently frozen. The surface layer above the permafrost thaws each summer. During the summer the melted snow has nowhere to go so the active layer becomes saturated and pools of water form on the surface.

Best times to visit!

Summer visits: If you want 24 hours of daylight then the arctic tundra is the place for you! With average temperatures of 40 degrees Fahrenheit there is so much to go out and explore.

In the far north tundra of Alaska winter temperatures can reach 20 degrees below zero during winter. Although it is quite the challenge to stay in such cold weather with almost no daylight it is the best time to explore the tundra. This time of year is when the northern Alaskan tundra is the least crowded and the most interesting.

 

During the winter in the Arctic Tundra there are sports such as: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice fishing -During the summer, there are Guided wildlife safaris and visitors can see polar bears, Arctic foxes, migrating caribou, and brown bears in their natural habitat. Other options include salmon fishing, hiking, and camping