What is a Tundra?

A tundra is a biome characterized by cold weather and low growing plants and shrubs. The term “biome” is used to refer to a specific type of environment which is characterized by certain weather conditions, supporting particular plants and animals. There are three types of tundra which can be found on Earth: arctic, antarctic, and alpine. All of these environments share some basic characteristics, although they are unique enough to be placed in different categories.

All forms of tundra are distinctive because they are quite cold, and they also share a layer of permanently frozen subsoil. Because of the freezing conditions, the biome cannot support many plants, with the bulk of flora consisting of lichen, mosses, and low lying grasses. Stunted trees and shrubs may also grow in the tundra. When the weather warms, the land becomes boggy, because water cannot drain away, since the frozen subsoil is in the way.

The tundra also supports some animals. Caribou, reindeer, and lemmings all call it home, along with foxes, wolves, and birds of prey. The relationships between these animals can get very complex, especially in severe winters, as they rely on each other for a stable existence. These animals, in turn, also support human life. Several native peoples have historically lived in the biome, often migrating to take advantage of migratory animal species.

The arctic tundra covers a large part of the Earth's surface, between the ice cap and the treeline of arctic regions of the world. Alaska, Russia, and Northern Canada all have large expanses, along with parts of Scandinavia. Native people in this area referred to the area as tundar, meaning “flat topped hill,” a reference to the gentle topography which characterizes the land. Some parts are classified as parks and preserves, with their host nations working to preserve the unique conditions of this cold and sometimes forbidding environment.

Antarctic tundra is more barren, as Antarctica is extremely cold and it has very harsh winters. This type supports more lichen and moss, and no large animals. It also tends to be very rocky and dry. Alpine tundra is a form that can be found at extremely high elevations. The high elevation prevents large trees from growing, promoting the growth of dwarf shrubs, grasses, and lichen. This biome is also cold and icy, and it can be found in many parts of the world that have high mountain ranges.

A tundra is a vast, treeless biome characterized by its cold climate, low biodiversity, simple vegetation structure, and a subsurface soil layer that remains frozen year-round, known as permafrost. Tundras are primarily found in the high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, encircling the North Pole and extending south to the taiga belt.

There are two main types of tundra: Arctic and Alpine. The Arctic tundra is located in the northern hemisphere around the North Pole, while Alpine tundra exists on mountains worldwide at high altitudes where trees cannot grow. Both types share similar harsh climates and vegetation, but Alpine tundra does not have permafrost.

Tundra regions support a range of specially adapted wildlife. Common animals include caribou, Arctic hares, lemmings, Arctic foxes, and snowy owls. Many migratory bird species also breed in the tundra during the short summer. These animals have adapted to the extreme cold, often with insulating fur or feathers and seasonal behavior patterns.

The tundra plays a significant role in the Earth's climate system. It acts as a carbon sink, with its permafrost storing vast amounts of carbon dioxide and methane. According to the National Snow and Ice Data Center, the permafrost contains 1,672 gigatons of carbon, making its potential impact on climate change substantial if thawed.

The tundra ecosystem faces threats from climate change, which leads to permafrost thawing and habitat alteration. Human activities such as oil and gas exploration also pose risks through pollution and disturbance. Additionally, the introduction of non-native species can disrupt the delicate balance of tundra food webs and biodiversity.

Climate change is causing rapid warming in the tundra, with temperatures increasing at twice the global average rate. This warming leads to permafrost thaw, which can release stored greenhouse gases and further exacerbate global warming. The resulting changes in the landscape and hydrology can also affect native plant and animal species, altering the ecosystem.