Climate On Earth

Come let’s now explore The Tundra Region.

Tundra region

NORTH FRIGID ZONE SOUTH FRIGID ZONE The Tundra is located in the Northern Frigid Zone Frigid zone

Location The word "tundra" usually refers only to the areas where the subsoil is permanently frozen. The tundra region stretches beyond the Arctic Circle (66½°N) in the Northern Hemisphere.

Climate  The region is under snow or ice throughout the year because -:  It receives inclined rays of the sun at both the poles.  The heat is spread over a large area.

 This is a region of low temperature. Temperatures are below freezing point (below-40 ⁰ C). Long severe winters lasting for eight to ten months in a year.  Summers are short and cool, lasting only for two to three months.Summer temperature varies between 2°C to 10° C. Rainfall is scanty and is less than 25 cm annually.  Winds are very strong. Climate

Flora and Fauna  Due to lack of warm summers and soil being permanently frozen, there is is absence of trees in this region.  The only plants that grow here are mosses, lichens, grasses and bushes.  During the short summer the land is bright with flowers. mosses Lichens Grasses and bushes

mosses

Lichens

Wild Flowers in Summer Season

 Warm-blooded animals such as reindeer, polar bear, musk ox, huskies, walrus, seals etc. are found.  Many animals escape the harsh winter by migrating.  Animals adapt to the environment. They have thick furry coats and a layer of fat under the skin to keep themselves warm. Flora and Fauna walrus Polar bear Rein deer Musk oxHuskies

Reindeer  The reindeer is the most important animal of the Tundra.  The people use reindeer for meat, milk,skin for clothing and tents. Its bones are used to make tools.  It is well adapted to the severe winter conditions. Its thick hair makes an excellent protection against the cold.  Its long,flat hoofs are suitable for walking across the snow.

Reindeer

People  The tundra region is sparsely populated since the climate is difficult.  Their way of life is well adapted to the environment. Tribes found in the tundra are the Inuits, the Saami, the Samoyeds and the Yakuts.  Inuits- The Inuits live in small groups and follow a nomadic life. They make a living by hunting and fishing.  In winter they hunt fishes, seals and walruses.  In summer they hunt the reindeer. They live in igloos.  The traditional means of transport are kayaks and the sledge.