Difference between revisions of "Tundra" - New World Encyclopedia

From New World Encyclopedia
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Trees grow in some of the tundra.  The ecological boundary region between the tundra and the forest is known as the tree-line or timberline.
 
Trees grow in some of the tundra.  The ecological boundary region between the tundra and the forest is known as the tree-line or timberline.
  
−
There are three types of tundra: '''Arctic tundra''', '''Antarctic tundra''', and '''alpine tundra'''.   
+
There are three types of tundra: '''Arctic tundra''', '''Antarctic tundra''', and '''Alpine tundra'''.   
  
 
== Arctic tundra ==
 
== Arctic tundra ==
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Arctic tundra occurs in the far Northern Hemisphere, north of the taiga belt ([[biome]] characterized by [[conifer]]ous forests).  The word "tundra" usually refers only to the areas where the subsoil is permafrost, which contains permanently frozen water.  (It may also refer to the treeless plain in general, so that northern Lapland would be included.)  Permafrost tundra includes vast areas of northern [[Russia]] and [[Canada]] (UCMP 2006).  
 
Arctic tundra occurs in the far Northern Hemisphere, north of the taiga belt ([[biome]] characterized by [[conifer]]ous forests).  The word "tundra" usually refers only to the areas where the subsoil is permafrost, which contains permanently frozen water.  (It may also refer to the treeless plain in general, so that northern Lapland would be included.)  Permafrost tundra includes vast areas of northern [[Russia]] and [[Canada]] (UCMP 2006).  
  
−
The arctic tundra is home to several peoples who are mostly nomadic [[reindeer]] herders, such as the Nganasan and Nenets in the permafrost area (and the Sami people in [[Lapland]]).
+
The Arctic tundra is home to several peoples who are mostly nomadic [[reindeer]] herders, such as the Nganasan and Nenets in the permafrost area (and the Sami people in [[Lapland]]).
  
−
The [[biodiversity]] of tundra is low.  There are few [[species]] with large populations. Notable animals in the arctic tundra include caribou (reindeer), musk ox, snowshoe rabbit, snowy owl, lemmings, arctic fox, [[wolf]], and polar [[bear]]s (only the extreme north) (Blue Planet Biomes 2006).
+
The [[biodiversity]] of tundra is low.  There are few [[species]] with large populations. Notable animals in the Arctic tundra include caribou (reindeer), musk ox, snowshoe rabbit, snowy owl, lemmings, arctic fox, [[wolf]], and polar [[bear]]s (only the extreme north) (Blue Planet Biomes 2006).
  
−
The growing season for the Arctic Tundra ranges from 50 to 60 days.  While the Winter temperatures average around - (minus) 30 ºF, the Summer temperatures range from 37 to 54 ºF.  Scandanavian Tundra tends to be a bit warmer, with winter temperatures averaging around 18 ºF
+
The growing season for the Arctic tundra ranges from 50 to 60 days.  While the Winter temperatures average around - (minus) 30 ºF, the Summer temperatures range from 37 to 54 ºF.  Scandanavian Tundra tends to be a bit warmer, with winter temperatures averaging around 18 ºF
  
−
Due to the harsh climate of the arctic tundra, regions of this kind have seen little human activity,  even though they are sometimes rich in natural resources such as [[petroleum|oil]] and [[uranium]]. In recent times, this has begun to change in Alaska (United States), Russia, and some other parts of the world.
+
Due to the harsh climate of the Arctic tundra, regions of this kind have seen little human activity,  even though they are sometimes rich in natural resources such as [[petroleum|oil]] and [[uranium]]. In recent times, this has begun to change in Alaska (United States), Russia, and some other parts of the world.
  
−
[[Global warming]] is a potential threat to the arctic tundra because of the permafrost.  Permafrost is essentially a frozen [[bog]]; in the summer, only its surface layer melts.  The melting of the permafrost in a given area on human time scales (decades or centuries) could radically change which species would survive there (Yukon Conservation Society 2004).  
+
[[Global warming]] is a potential threat to the Arctic tundra because of the permafrost.  Permafrost is essentially a frozen [[bog]]; in the summer, only its surface layer melts.  The melting of the permafrost in a given area on human time scales (decades or centuries) could radically change which species would survive there (Yukon Conservation Society 2004).  
  
−
Another concern is that about one third of the world's soil-bound [[carbon]] is in taiga and tundra areas.  When the permafrost melts, it releases carbon in the form of [[carbon dioxide]], a greenhouse gas. The effect has been observed in Alaska.  In the 1970s, the tundra was a carbon sink, but today, it is a carbon source (Oechel et al. 1993). One study has shown the potential for  77% or more of the tundra to be gone by the year 2100 (Oregon State University 2004).
+
Another concern is that about one third of the world's soil-bound [[carbon]] is in taiga and tundra areas.  When the permafrost melts, it releases carbon in the form of [[carbon dioxide]], a greenhouse gas. The effect has been observed in Alaska.  In the 1970s, the tundra was a carbon sink, but today, it is a carbon source (Oechel et al. 1993). One study has shown the potential for  77% or more of the tundra to be gone by the year 2100 (Oregon State University 2004).
  
 
== Antarctic tundra ==
 
== Antarctic tundra ==
  
−
Antarctic tundra occurs on [[Antarctica]] and on several antarctic and subantarctic islands, including [[South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands]] and the [[Kerguelen Islands]]. Antarctica is mostly too cold and dry to support vegetation, and most of the continent is covered by ice fields. However, some portions of the continent, particularly the [[Antarctic Peninsula]], have areas of rocky soil that support tundra.  Its flora presently consists of around 300-400 lichens, 100 mosses, 25 [[liverwort|liverworts]], around 700 terrestrial and aquatic algae species, which live on the areas of exposed rock and soil around the shore of the continent.  Antarctica's two flowering plant species, the [[Antarctic hair grass]] (''Deschampsia antarctica'') and [[Antarctic pearlwort]] (''Colobanthus quitensis''), are found on the northern and western parts of the Antarctic Peninsula<ref>{{cite web|title=Terrestrial Plants|work=British Antarctic Survey: About Antarctica|url=http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/About_Antarctica/Wildlife/Plants/index.html|accessdate=2006-03-05}}</ref>
+
Antarctic tundra occurs on [[Antarctica]] and on several Antarctic and sub-Antarctic islands, including South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands and the Kerguelen Islands. Antarctica is mostly too cold and dry to support vegetation, and most of the continent is covered by ice fields. However, some portions of the continent, particularly the Antarctic Peninsula, have areas of rocky soil that support tundra.   
  
−
In contrast with the arctic tundra, the Antarctic tundra lacks a large mammal fauna, mostly due to its physical isolation from the other continents.  Sea mammals and sea birds, including [[Pinniped|seals]], [[penguin|penguins]], inhabit areas near the shore, and some small mammals, like [[rabbit|rabbits]] and [[cat|cats]], have been introduced by humans to some of the subantarctic islands.
+
Antarctic flora presently consists of around 300-400 [[lichen]]s, 100 [[moss]]es, 25 [[liverwort|liverworts]], and 700 terrestrial and aquatic [[algae]] species that live on the areas of exposed rock and soil around the shore of the continent.  Antarctica's two [[flowering plant]] species, the Antarctic hair grass (''Deschampsia antarctica'') and Antarctic pearlwort (''Colobanthus quitensis''), are found on the northern and western parts of the Antarctic Peninsula (British Antartic Survey 2004a).  
  
−
The flora and fauna of Antarctica and the Antarctic Islands (south of 60º south latitude) are protected by the [[Antarctic Treaty]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty|work=British Antarctic Survey: About Antarctica|url=http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/About_Antarctica/Treaty/protocol.html|accessdate=2006-03-05}}</ref>
+
In contrast with the Arctic tundra, the Antarctic tundra lacks a large mammal fauna, mostly due to its physical isolation from the other continents.  Sea [[mammal]]s and sea [[bird]]s, including [[seal]]s and [[penguin|penguins]], inhabit areas near the shore, and some small mammals, like [[rabbit|rabbits]] and [[cat|cats]], have been introduced by humans to some of the sub-Antarctic islands.
 +
 
 +
The flora and fauna of Antarctica and the Antarctic Islands (south of 60º south latitude) are protected by the Antarctic Treaty (British Antarctic Survey 2004b).
  
 
== Alpine tundra ==
 
== Alpine tundra ==
 
[[image:alpine_tundra.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Typical alpine tundra]]
 
[[image:alpine_tundra.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Typical alpine tundra]]
  
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Alpine tundra occurs at high enough [[altitude]] at any [[latitude]] on Earth. This is usually somewhere between 11,200 and 12,000 feet depending on latitude and slope exposue. Alpine tundra also lacks trees, but does not usually have [[permafrost]], and alpine soils are generally better drained than permafrost soils.  Alpine tundra transitions to subalpine forests  below the [[tree-line]]; stunted forests occurring at the forest-tundra [[ecotone]] are known as '''Krummholz'''.
+
Alpine tundra is tundra that occurs at high altitudes at any latitude on [[Earth]]. This is usually somewhere between 11,200 and 12,000 feet depending on latitude and slope exposure. Alpine tundra also lacks [[tree]]s, but does not usually have permafrost, and alpine soils are generally better drained than permafrost soils.  Alpine tundra transitions to sub-alpine forests  below the tree-line; stunted forests occurring at the forest-tundra ecotone are known as '''Krummholz'''.
−
 
 
−
Alpine tundra plants include grasses, hedges, herbs, and a few small shrubs.  in between these plants are often lichens and moss.  The tundrea also has a variety of colorful widlflowers that bloom for a short  time usually June through August.
 
  
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Notable animals in the alpine tundra include, [[Kea|Kea parrots]], [[Marmot|marmots]], [[Mountain goat|Mountain goats]], sheep, elk, and [[pika]].
+
Alpine tundra plants include [[grass]]es, hedges, herbs, and a few small shrubs. In between these plants are often [[lichen]]s and [[moss]]es.  The tundra also has a variety of colorful wildflowers that bloom for a short time, usually just a few months in summer.
  
−
There are over 330 species of plants in the Alpine Tundra alone with 180 of them found in Rocky Natonal Park that has 1/3 of the park abov e treeline.  
+
Notable animals in the alpine tundra include Kea parrots, [[Marmot|marmots]], Mountain [[goat]]s, [[sheep]], [[elk]], and pika.
  
−
Climate change threatens to reduce the percentage of tundra in Rocky Mountain National Park as well as other areas which will have an impact on both plant and animal life.
+
There are over 330 known species of plants in the alpine tundra alone, with 180 of them found in Rocky Natonal Park that has 1/3 of the park above treeline.  
  
 +
[[Climate change]] threatens to reduce the percentage of tundra in Rocky Mountain National Park, as well as other areas, which will have an impact on both plant and animal life.
  
−
''See also: [[Alpine climate]]''
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
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(Oregon State University. Climate Change Could Doom Alaska's Tundra. see:  Science Daily August 3, 2004, http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/08/040804083312.htm|
 
(Oregon State University. Climate Change Could Doom Alaska's Tundra. see:  Science Daily August 3, 2004, http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/08/040804083312.htm|
−
|
+
 
 +
<ref>{{cite web|title=Terrestrial Plants|work=British Antarctic Survey. 2004a. ''Terrestrial Plants''. url=http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/About_Antarctica/Wildlife/Plants/index.html|accessdate=2006-03-05}}</ref>
 +
 
 +
<ref>2000b.{{cite web|title=Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty|work=British Antarctic Survey: About Antarctica|url=http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/About_Antarctica/Treaty/protocol.html|accessdate=2006-03-05}}</ref>
  
  
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==External links==
 
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*[http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/glossary/gloss5/biome/tundra.html Tundra biome information from the University of California]
 
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*[http://www.panda.org/about_wwf/where_we_work/ecoregions/about/habitat_types/selecting_terrestrial_ecoregions/habitat11.cfm WWF Tundra Ecoregions]
 
−
* [http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/earthsysflr/tundra.html The Arctic biome at Classroom of the Future]
 
  
  
 
{{credit|48278234}}
 
{{credit|48278234}}
 
[[Category:Life sciences]]
 
[[Category:Life sciences]]

Revision as of 03:36, 15 December 2006

Tundra is a geographic area where the tree growth is hindered by low temperatures and short growing seasons, and the dominant vegetation is grasses, mosses, and lichens. The term "tundra" comes from the language Kildin Sami tū̄ndra, the genitive of tundar, "treeless plain."

Trees grow in some of the tundra. The ecological boundary region between the tundra and the forest is known as the tree-line or timberline.

There are three types of tundra: Arctic tundra, Antarctic tundra, and Alpine tundra.

Arctic tundra

Tundra coastal vegetation in Alaska, during the summer

Arctic tundra occurs in the far Northern Hemisphere, north of the taiga belt (biome characterized by coniferous forests). The word "tundra" usually refers only to the areas where the subsoil is permafrost, which contains permanently frozen water. (It may also refer to the treeless plain in general, so that northern Lapland would be included.) Permafrost tundra includes vast areas of northern Russia and Canada (UCMP 2006).

The Arctic tundra is home to several peoples who are mostly nomadic reindeer herders, such as the Nganasan and Nenets in the permafrost area (and the Sami people in Lapland).

The biodiversity of tundra is low. There are few species with large populations. Notable animals in the Arctic tundra include caribou (reindeer), musk ox, snowshoe rabbit, snowy owl, lemmings, arctic fox, wolf, and polar bears (only the extreme north) (Blue Planet Biomes 2006).

The growing season for the Arctic tundra ranges from 50 to 60 days. While the Winter temperatures average around - (minus) 30 ºF, the Summer temperatures range from 37 to 54 ºF. Scandanavian Tundra tends to be a bit warmer, with winter temperatures averaging around 18 ºF

Due to the harsh climate of the Arctic tundra, regions of this kind have seen little human activity, even though they are sometimes rich in natural resources such as oil and uranium. In recent times, this has begun to change in Alaska (United States), Russia, and some other parts of the world.

Global warming is a potential threat to the Arctic tundra because of the permafrost. Permafrost is essentially a frozen bog; in the summer, only its surface layer melts. The melting of the permafrost in a given area on human time scales (decades or centuries) could radically change which species would survive there (Yukon Conservation Society 2004).

Another concern is that about one third of the world's soil-bound carbon is in taiga and tundra areas. When the permafrost melts, it releases carbon in the form of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. The effect has been observed in Alaska. In the 1970s, the tundra was a carbon sink, but today, it is a carbon source (Oechel et al. 1993). One study has shown the potential for 77% or more of the tundra to be gone by the year 2100 (Oregon State University 2004).

Antarctic tundra

Antarctic tundra occurs on Antarctica and on several Antarctic and sub-Antarctic islands, including South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands and the Kerguelen Islands. Antarctica is mostly too cold and dry to support vegetation, and most of the continent is covered by ice fields. However, some portions of the continent, particularly the Antarctic Peninsula, have areas of rocky soil that support tundra.

Antarctic flora presently consists of around 300-400 lichens, 100 mosses, 25 liverworts, and 700 terrestrial and aquatic algae species that live on the areas of exposed rock and soil around the shore of the continent. Antarctica's two flowering plant species, the Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia antarctica) and Antarctic pearlwort (Colobanthus quitensis), are found on the northern and western parts of the Antarctic Peninsula (British Antartic Survey 2004a).

In contrast with the Arctic tundra, the Antarctic tundra lacks a large mammal fauna, mostly due to its physical isolation from the other continents. Sea mammals and sea birds, including seals and penguins, inhabit areas near the shore, and some small mammals, like rabbits and cats, have been introduced by humans to some of the sub-Antarctic islands.

The flora and fauna of Antarctica and the Antarctic Islands (south of 60º south latitude) are protected by the Antarctic Treaty (British Antarctic Survey 2004b).

Alpine tundra

Typical alpine tundra

Alpine tundra is tundra that occurs at high altitudes at any latitude on Earth. This is usually somewhere between 11,200 and 12,000 feet depending on latitude and slope exposure. Alpine tundra also lacks trees, but does not usually have permafrost, and alpine soils are generally better drained than permafrost soils. Alpine tundra transitions to sub-alpine forests below the tree-line; stunted forests occurring at the forest-tundra ecotone are known as Krummholz.

Alpine tundra plants include grasses, hedges, herbs, and a few small shrubs. In between these plants are often lichens and mosses. The tundra also has a variety of colorful wildflowers that bloom for a short time, usually just a few months in summer.

Notable animals in the alpine tundra include Kea parrots, marmots, Mountain goats, sheep, elk, and pika.

There are over 330 known species of plants in the alpine tundra alone, with 180 of them found in Rocky Natonal Park that has 1/3 of the park above treeline.

Climate change threatens to reduce the percentage of tundra in Rocky Mountain National Park, as well as other areas, which will have an impact on both plant and animal life.


References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • The Tundra Biome. The World's Biomes. URL accessed on 2006-03-05.

[1].

(Oregon State University. Climate Change Could Doom Alaska's Tundra. see: Science Daily August 3, 2004, http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/08/040804083312.htm%7C

[2]

[3]


  • Tundra. Blue Planet Biomes. URL accessed on 2006-03-05.
  • Yukon Conservation Society. 2004. Climate Change Impacts:A Changing World?. Impacts of Climate Change. URL accessed on 2006-03-05. http://www.climatechangenorth.ca/section-BG/BG_I_02_I_E.html
  • W. C. Oechel et al (11 February 1993). "Recent change of Arctic tundra ecosystems from a net carbon dioxide sink to a source". Nature 361: 520-523.
  • Terrestrial Plants. British Antarctic Survey: About Antarctica. URL accessed on 2006-03-05.
  • Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. British Antarctic Survey: About Antarctica. URL accessed on 2006-03-05.


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  1. ↑ University of California Museum of Paleotology (UCMP). 2006. The Tundra Biome. The World's Biomes. Retrieved 2006-03-05.
  2. ↑ Error on call to template:cite web: Parameters url and title must be specified. British Antarctic Survey. 2004a. Terrestrial Plants. url=http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/About_Antarctica/Wildlife/Plants/index.html. Retrieved 2006-03-05.
  3. ↑ 2000b.Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. British Antarctic Survey: About Antarctica. Retrieved 2006-03-05.
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