1

ET Tundra Climate Assignement.

Name :

Institution :

Course:

Professor:

Date:
 2

1. Describing the climagraph's temperature and precipitation patterns.

The climograph shows that the location has a cold climate, with average monthly
temperatures below freezing for most of the year. The warmest month is July, with an
average temperature of 5°C (41°F). The coldest month is February, with an average
temperature of -22.5°C (-8.5°F). Also, the location receives relatively little precipitation, with
an average annual total of 23 cm (9 in.). The wettest month is August, with an approximate
average precipitation of 2.54 cm (1 in.). The driest month is February, with an average
precipitation of 0.635 cm (0.25 in.). The location has a large range in temperature throughout
the year, with a difference of 27.5°C (49.5°F) between the warmest and coldest months.

2. Explaining where the climate region is located.

Based on the climograph, we can infer the following about the location, it is in the Arctic or
subarctic region, it is likely a tundra climate, it has cold winters and short, cool summers and
receives relatively little precipitation. The climograph also shows that the location has a large
range in temperature throughout the year, with a difference of 27.5°C (49.5°F) between the
warmest and coldest months. This is due to the location's high latitude, which means that it
receives less sunlight in the winter and more sunlight in the summer. Overall, the climagraph
suggests that the location is a cold and dry place with a harsh climate.

3. Explain the role that the length of daylight, angle of the sun’s rays, and albedo has
on temperatures in this region.

Length of daylight

The length of daylight plays a major role in determining temperatures in tundra

regions. During the winter months, the days are very short, and the sun never rises very high
in the sky. This means that the region receives very little sunlight, and temperatures can drop
very low. During the summer months, the days are very long, and the sun shines for almost
24 hours a day. This means that the region receives a lot of sunlight, and temperatures can
rise above freezing.
 3

Angle of the sun's rays

The angle of the sun's rays also affects temperatures in tundra regions. During the winter
months, the sun's rays hit the Earth at a very low angle spreading sunlight out over a larger
area hence less heat is absorbed by the Earth's surface. During the summer months, the sun's
rays hit the Earth at a more direct angle. This means that the sunlight is concentrated in a
smaller area, and more heat is absorbed by the Earth's surface.

Albedo

Albedo refers to the amount of sunlight that is reflected back into space by the Earth's
surface. Tundra regions have a high albedo. This is because the tundra is covered in snow and
ice for most of the year. The high albedo of the tundra helps to keep the region cool in the
summer. However, it also makes it difficult for the region to warm up in the winter.

4. Describe tundra vegetation.

Tundra vegetation is characterized by its low-growing, hardy plants that are adapted
to the cold climate and short growing season. Tundra plants typically have deep roots to help
them reach water and nutrients that are frozen in the permafrost. They also have short
growing seasons to make the most of the limited amount of sunlight that is available during
the summer months.

Some common tundra plants include:

i. Grasses and sedges: These plants are short and have narrow leaves, which helps
them to reduce wind resistance and water loss.

ii. Mosses and lichens: These plants are low-growing and can survive in very harsh
conditions. They also play an important role in preventing erosion.

iii. Shrubs and wildflowers: Tundra shrubs are often dwarf varieties of plants that are
found in other climates. Tundra wildflowers are typically brightly colored and bloom
for a short period of time during the summer months.
 4

5. Explain the pattern of the length of daylight that exists North of the Arctic Circle
and South of the Antarctic Circle over the course of a year.

The tilt of the Earth's axis is responsible for the pattern of daylight hours experienced
throughout the year north of the Arctic Circle and south of the Antarctic Circle. The Earth's
axis is tilted at an angle of 23.5 degrees relative to the plane of its orbit around the Sun.
Accordingly, the North Pole is oriented toward the Sun in the summer and away from it in the
winter in the Northern Hemisphere. During the summer months in the Southern Hemisphere,
the South Pole is tilted towards the Sun, and during the winter months, it is slanted away
from it. The Arctic and Antarctic Circles receive varying amounts of daylight throughout the
year due to the tilt of the Earth. The North Pole experiences 24 hours of daylight and the
South Pole has 24 hours of darkness on the summer solstice. The North Pole experiences 24
hours of darkness and the South Pole experiences 24 hours of daylight on the winter solstice.

6. Explain how structures can be adapted for permafrost.

Permafrost is a usually thick layer of permanently frozen soil that can thaw and shift
over time. It is found in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, as well as at high altitudes in
mountains. Building on permafrost can be challenging, as the frozen ground shifts and
moves. This can damage buildings and other structures. However, there are several ways to
adapt structures for permafrost.

i. Elevated Foundations: Raise buildings to prevent heat transfer and protect the
permafrost.

ii. Thermal Insulation: Minimize heat loss to the ground.

iii. Pilings and Piers: Use deep supports to anchor into stable permafrost.

iv. Ventilation: Control moisture and prevent condensation.

v. Sloped Roofs: Shed snow and prevent accumulation.

vi. Efficient Heating: Minimize heat transfer to the ground.

vii. Proper Siting: Build on stable, undisturbed permafrost areas.

 5

viii. Regular Monitoring: Check for permafrost degradation and make necessary
adjustments.

7. Explain change is likely to occur to permafrost with climate change and why that
may be a tipping point (once it occurs, more change is expected).

Climate change is having a significant impact on permafrost. The Arctic is warming

twice as fast as the rest of the planet, which is causing permafrost to thaw and sea ice to
retreat. This is likely to have several negative consequences, including:

i. Release of greenhouse gases: Permafrost contains large amounts of carbon and

methane, which are greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. As permafrost
thaws, these gases are released, further accelerating climate change.

ii. Damage to infrastructure: Permafrost thaw can damage roads, bridges, and other
infrastructure in permafrost regions making it difficult and expensive to transport
goods and people and disrupt essential services.

iii. Changes to ecosystems: Permafrost thaw is leading to changes in the Arctic

ecosystem. For example, some plants and animals are being forced to move to new
areas in search of cooler temperatures. This is disrupting the food chain and making
it difficult for some animals to find food.
 6

References

Varney, B. M. (1920). Some further uses of the climograph. Monthly Weather Review, 48(9),
495-497.