8.1 Polar and tundra environments

Question 1

Describe characteristics of polar and tundra environment (4 marks)

Answer 1

The polar environment is found at 90. latitude north and south of the equator. (high pressure, North Alaska)
Temperatures are below freezing all year round in inland areas such as Greenland, northern Canada and Siberia. The very low amount of precipitation falls as snow and the area is covered in ice caps. Permafrost does not melt, snow and ice accumulate over time.

Tundra environment occupies one fifth of the Earth’s surface is located below the Polar environment in Canada, Russia and Alaska. There is a short growing season when temperatures rise above 0. for one month a year approximatley. Permafrost melts during growing season

Question 2

What does the ice do in tundra layers

Answer 2

• uppermost active layer
• thaws for one or two months in brief summer, but there is still ice below active layer
• acts as impermeable barrier to downward movement of melted water in soil, resulting in waterlogged conditions