Subarctic Flashcards
Where are subarctic climates usually found?
At latitudes higher than 50 degrees
What are physical characteristics of subarctic climates?
- very low precipitation = virtual desert; cold air is dry!
2. very short summers and long COLD winters = steep curve
What kind of forests are in subarctic climates? What are they called in N. America and Russia
Homogeneous cover of coniferous forests called Boreal (North Ameriaca) or Taiga (Russia)
What percent of the earth does the Boreal or Taiga cover?
It is very vast and coveres 11% of the earth
What percent of the earth’s closed-canopy forest is in the boreal category?
29%
What are some plant adaptations in Subarctic climates?
- Conifers have conical shape that sheds snow and keep branches from breaking
- Needles have reduced surface area, thus lower water loss during winter winds and drought (water is frozen a lot)
- Conifers don’t lose leaves; can immediately photosynthesize and grow more quickly when weather warms (good in places with few warm days)
Where can boreal-type forests exist?
High latitudes and high altitudes
What are some other boreal forest biome characteristics?
- Low plant growth rate, relatively low biomass, small trees
- Relatively low biodiversity
What does low evaporation rate due to cold temperatures cause in boreal regions?
Lots of bog and pond formation
Are subarctic landscapes suitable for agriculture? Why?
Subarctic landscapes are poorly suited for agriculture
• Growing season too short
• Poorly developed wet soils, acidic, decomposition slow
What are the major economic activities (and also possible environmental disturbances and hazards) in Subarctic regions?
- Timber and pulpwood production from vast boreal forests
- Oil and gas wells
- Also Hydroelectric and Mining
