Perth Academy
Geography Department
Climatic Zones
The Tundra
THE TUNDRA
What is a
climatic zone?
What is
climate?
There are 2 main natural or climatic regions studied in National 4 and 5 Geography. They
are:
1. Tundra or Cold Desert
2. Equatorial Rainforest
We will look at the climate, the natural vegetation, the indigenous people and how life is
changing in each region. This unit covers the Tundra.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IjGNJPNyzU
Location of the Tundra
By the end of this section I will be able to:
* Locate main climate regions on a world map
* Describe where the Tundra and the Rainforest are found
Firstly we need to know where in the world we find these different climate zones.
Perth Academy: Geography 2013
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Location of the Tundra
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Task
Stick your map of the world into your jotter and the shade it in to clearly show the
location of the Tundra and the Equatorial Rainforest. Make sure you include a key
and the main lines of latitude.
Task
Copy and complete the following sentences into your jotter, using an atlas to help
you if needed.
Tundra – This region is found to the North of the _________ ___________. It is very
cold and only found in the _____________ hemisphere. The 3 main continents
which have Tundra are ______________, ________________ and
________________.
Equatorial Rainforest – This region is found along the _____________ where it is
always hot and wet. It is found in the following continents _________
_____________, __________ and _________.
Perth Academy: Geography 2013
Climate Graphs
By the end of this section I will:
* know which elements make up a climate graph
* be able to draw a climate graph accurately
* be able to describe a climate graph
Each of the natural regions has a very distinct and varied climate. It is important that we
know these differences and can identify them on maps and from analysing climate graphs.
A climate graph has a line graph showing temperature and a bar graph showing rainfall for
each month of the year plotted together. The same scale must be used for all graphs so that
an easy comparison can be made between every region.
The figures below show the average temperature and the rainfall for each month in the
regions that we are studying. We will use these to draw a climate graphs for each region in
the space provided on the next page.
Task
Use the figures from the following tables to draw your own climate graphs for the
Tundra and the Equatorial Rainforest.
Tundra
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Temperature
-25
-24
-17
-10
0
10
15
14
9
0
-15
-20
°C
Rainfall
10
11
16
26
30
50
30
20
20
10
10
10
mm
Equatorial Rainforest
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Temperature
27
27
27
28
29
28
28
27
27
28
27
27
°C
Rainfall
125
150
125
150
175
200
225
225
250
225
150
150
mm
Perth Academy: Geography 2013
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Now that you are able to draw climate graphs you need to be able to describe them also.
Describing Climate Graphs
Remember – to describe
means to write what
something is like
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A climate graph shows two elements – temperature and rainfall, therefore, your description
must include both temperature and rainfall. The best way to do this is to use two separate
paragraphs one for temperature and the other for rainfall. You must include the following
information in these paragraphs:
Temperature:
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What is the warmest month(s) and what is the temperature?
What is the coldest month(s) and what is the temperature?
What is the temperature range? (warmest temp - coldest temp = range)
How many months are below freezing?
Rainfall:
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What is the driest month(s) and how much rain fell?
What is the wettest month(s) and how much rain fell?
Are there any months with no rain?
Is it likely to snow? If so in which month(s)?
Is the rain spread evenly throughout the year or is it seasonal?
What is the annual rainfall?
Task
In your jotter, write out the answers to the questions above for both the Tundra and
the Equatorial Rainforest. Put your answers into sentences and paragraphs.
Complete the Tundra first and then attempt to describe the Equatorial Rainforest
climate.
Perth Academy: Geography 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCDaVOlR150
Climate
By the end of this section I will be able to:
* demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the tundra climate
* understand why the tundra is so cold
* describe the difficulties of life in cold climates
The tundra is also known as the cold desert as it is extremely cold all year round and has
very little rainfall. It also has strong, bitterly cold winds bringing fierce blizzards to the
region. Rainfall is infrequent and when it does fall it falls as snow. There are two seasons in
the tundra – a long winter covering 9 months of the year and a short 3 month summer. In
winter there is no daylight as the sun never rises above the horizon. There is only a grey sky
for a few hours in the middle of the day before returning to darkness for the remainder of
the day. The sun never sets in summer meaning that there is permanent daylight at these
times.
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Temperature – cold summers with temperatures peaking at approx. 10°C
– extremely cold winters where temperatures can plummet to -50°C
Rainfall – very little rain throughout the year
– rain will usually fall as snow
– total rainfall <250mm a year (remember Glasgow has approx. 750mm)
Task
Copy and complete the diagram below showing why the Tundra is so cold, in your
jotters.
polar – sun
is at a low angle
...
Earth
rays pass...
Atmosphere (dust, vapour, gas)
equator – sun is directly
overhead. A ...
Parallel and equal rays of heat
and light from the Sun
Perth Academy: Geography 2013
Tundra Vegetation and Ecosystems
Task
Watch the following video clips and make notes in your jotter to describe the
plants and the animals that you see, as well as any seasonal changes in the
climate.
Change of seasons - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00l2zjc
Spring - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00l734h
Spring - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00l72dn
Summer - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p003pd8m
Autumn - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00l7x87
Winter - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00l7wr5
The winters in the Tundra as well as being very cold are also very dark and north of the
Arctic Circle there are days when the sun does not rise. Precipitation is very low in this
season as the cold temperatures reduce evaporation and the air can only hold very low
amounts of water vapour.
What little snow that falls does not melt so the land is covered in snow and ice all winter.
The short summers see the land covered in heather, moss and arctic flowers. The summer
growing season is just 50 to 60 days, when the sun shines 24 hours a day. The land is
waterlogged, as the ground will remain frozen and so impermeable with only the top metre
or so melting. The frozen ground is known as permafrost and the section that melts is
known as the active layer. Tundra plants have developed adaptations that help them thrive
in this harsh climate. Plants do not grow high due to the strong winds and the permafrost
preventing deep roots.
The Arctic tundra, where the average temperature is -12°C to -6°C, supports a variety of
animal species, including Arctic foxes, polar bears, gray wolves, caribou and snow geese.
Perth Academy: Geography 2013
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Task
Animals and plants that live in the Tundra have had to adapt to be able to
survive in such extremes of climate. They all have particular ‘characteristics’
e.g. thick fur, that make them suited to living here.
Your task is to create your own animal that is able to survive and thrive in the
Tundra. You will be given a list of characteristics to choose from. Working in
pairs, choose the ones which you think are most appropriate and write them
down in your jotter.
Try to visualise your animal, thinking about:
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How big it is?
How does it move?
How does it find food?
How does it communicate?
How does it sleep?
Write a short description of your animal, explaining and justifying its
characteristics and how they make it suitable for living in the Tundra.
Once you have finished your writing, try to draw your animal.
If you wish to, there are plant characteristics available and you can design
your own plant which should be able to live in the Tundra.
Carnivore
Herbivore
Perth Academy: Geography 2013
Uses of the Tundra
The Tundra is a barren waste land where very few people live. Those that do are indigenous
communities which live off the land. These communities are mainly migratory, subsistence
farmers. Recently as people around the world become more reliant on fossil fuels and
supplies are running out elsewhere in the world, areas such as the Tundra have been
exploited for oil and gas discovery and production. Areas such as the Arctic and Antarctica
are also opening up for tourism.
The main uses of the Tundra are now:
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subsistence hunting
reindeer herding
oil exploration
tourism
Task
Watch the following video clips which show why people live in and visit the Tundra
and some of the difficulties cause by the extreme cold.
Penguin Tourism - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00m21rk
The Sirius Patrol - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00m23nk
Walrus Hunt - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00m23rl
The Day of the Reindeer - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00mbqz0
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0091spg
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0085w76
Perth Academy: Geography 2013
Case Study: The Nenets
Task
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Watch Tribe – Nenets and take notes in your jotter under the following
headings.
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Location
Traditional Way of Life
Uses of Reindeer
Problems of Oil/Gas Exploration
You will need these notes for a written task later so the more detailed your
notes (i.e. lots of information!) the easier that will be for you.
The traditional way of life for the Nenets is under constant threat from changes in the
climate, to an increase in contact with ‘the outside world’ and the dangers posed to the
environment as a result of oil exploration.
Oil Threatens the Nenets
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8nGF8S7CCs
Effects of Degradation on the People and the Environment
The Tundra covers a tenth of the Earth's land and are essentially frozen bogs with little
vegetation diversity. But these are among the most sensitive habitats in the world.
The most severe threat is global warming. The Arctic tundra is changing dramatically due to
global warming and many scientists believe it may eliminate Arctic regions, including the
Tundra, forever.
One-third of the world's soil-bound carbon is in tundra permafrost. As this frozen soil thaws,
its organic contents begin to decay, releasing carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. The tundra
is also slow to repair itself from physical disturbances, such as vehicular tracks. Cutting
greenhouse gas emissions by switching to alternative energy uses is key to protecting
Earth's tundra habitats.
Perth Academy: Geography 2013
Already, more southern animals like the red fox have moved onto the tundra. The red fox is
now competing with the Arctic fox for food and territory, and the long-term impact on the
sensitive Arctic fox is unknown.
Threats
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
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The melting of the permafrost as a result of global warming could radically change
the landscape and what species are able to live there.
Ozone depletion at the North and South Poles means stronger ultraviolet rays that
will harm the tundra.
Air pollution can cause smog clouds that contaminate lichen, a significant food
source for many animals.
Exploration of oil, gas, and minerals and construction of pipelines and roads can
cause physical disturbances and habitat fragmentation.
Oil spills can kill wildlife and significantly damage tundra ecosystems.
Buildings and roads put heat and pressure on the permafrost, causing it to melt.
Invasive species push aside native vegetation and reduce diversity of plant cover.
An increase in tourism in the Arctic as people arrive to see the beautiful scenery and
wildlife such as Whales, visit the North pole, meet Santa and engage in traditional
activities like dog sledging.
Solutions




Switch to alternative energy uses to minimize human-made global warming.
Establish protected areas and park reserves to restrict human influence.
Limit road construction, mining activities, and the building of pipelines in tundra
habitat.
Limit tourism and respect local cultures.
Task
In your jotter construct a table to summarise the main threats to the Tundra as
well as some potential solutions to these threats.
Perth Academy: Geography 2013
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Arctic Tourism
The tourist boom in the Arctic is affecting the local environment and population.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=depU1jJzhqM
Some Arctic facts and figures:
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66.5°N: The lower limit of the Arctic i.e. the Arctic Circle
30 million km2 of marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Polar bears live in the Arctic -- it's their only home. Penguins do not live in the Arctic.
4 million people live within the Arctic Circle.
-40°C : Average winter temperature in some parts of the Arctic
The smallest ocean in the world is the Arctic Ocean
8 countries are recognized as Arctic states
Task
Look through these different aspects of tourism and decide if they are beneficial or
damaging. Write your answers in your jotter.
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garbage
increases awareness of environmental issues
human waste
source of sustainable income for local communities
source of additional income for local communities
supports conservation
disturbs the wildlife and vegetation
promotes respect for arctic cultures and peoples
impacts on indigenous people’s way of life
responsible tourism activities
air, noise and visual pollution
emissions
Perth Academy: Geography 2013
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What responsibilities do
tour operators have to
look after the Arctic??
What responsibilities
do tourists have to
look after the Arctic??
FURTHER READING:
http://awsassets.panda.org/downloads/wwf_tourism_conservation.pdf
Task
In groups of 3, you will have three periods to create a campaign which you will present to
the class to either stop arctic tourism or to promote arctic tourism.
This can be:
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
A video
A podcast recording
A powerpoint/prezi
A drama
A poster
A song/poem
Your campaign must give good reasons for or against tourism in the arctic, based upon
your own knowledge and any research that you do. You may work on these in your own
time in addition to class time.
Perth Academy: Geography 2013
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Changes in the Tundra – Oil and Gas Exploration
By the end of this section I will be able to:
* describe the changes in the region since the discovery of oil
* describe the advantages and disadvantages of oil exploration
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXX8iWB_3cU
Since the discovery of oil and gas reserves in the 1970s groups such as the Nenets have had
increasing contact with the outside world and this has led to many changes to the
landscape. The tundra is now home to gas worker villages, covered by thousands of
exploration drill sites, and has new communication networks including roads and railways.
Building such an infrastructure on permafrost, bogs and lakes has significant consequences
for the indigenous lifestyle that exists in this environment.
The Nenets land has been damaged and there is fear of more damage in the future. One
tribe lost five crucial summer camp sites to gas development in the last eight years. Herders
also noticed that the fish, which are crucial for the herders' diet in summer, are far less
plentiful in the lakes.
Herders have also seen benefits from oil and gas, for example, there’s trading to be done
with oil workers who can get fresh meat and fish in exchange for rice/pasta staples and free
rides on gas worker transport. This relationship has turned some local gas workers into
'tundra experts' who know the details of the herders’ summer migration patterns. Nenets
people have become more confident that oil and gas can exist alongside their lifestyles and
that consultations have improved matters.
The future of the Nenets is bright as their population has been steadily growing through the
20th century. A huge portion of young Nenets decide to stay in the tundra as they can gain
better income than in the villages and have the freedom of the nomadic lifestyle in the
tundra. Scientists had guessed that overgrazing would have led to the collapse of reindeer
herding, but the population of herds and peoples are still growing. This points to the
mistrust of the Nenets mastery of land management and a lack of understanding about how
adaptable the reindeer herders can be.
Task
Read the information above and “Key Geography for GCSE” p.254-255. Use these to
draw a table showing both the advantages and disadvantages of oil production in the
Tundra. Use named examples where possible.
Perth Academy: Geography 2013
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Physical Problems and Environmental Concerns
In 1968 the largest oilfield in North America was discovered at Prudhoe Bay in the far north
of Alaska. The field contained 1/3 of the USA’s oil reserves but there were problems over
how to move the oil to refineries elsewhere in the USA. After much debate the decision was
taken to build a pipeline 1,242km in length southwards to the ice-free port of Valdez. The
route faced such enormous physical difficulties and environmental opposition that it was
not until 1977 that the first oil was pumped along it.
Task
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Use diagram A from “Key Geography for GCSE” textbook p.256 to draw two spider
diagrams in your jotter, one to show the physical problems and the other to show
environmental concerns surrounding the Trans-Alaska pipeline.
Solutions
The pipeline has been successful due to solutions being found to both the environmental
and physical concerns.
Task
Read page 117 from the “New Wider World” textbook and use the information from
figure 7.37 to copy and complete the table below in your jotter, using full sentences.
You may need to look back at your spider diagrams to help!
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Physical and Environmental Problems and Solutions
problem
solution
Earthquakes
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Melting the
permafrost
Large rivers to cross
Migrating
caribou
Oil
freezing
Pipeline splitting
and spilling oil
Task
Imagine you are a member of an indigenous tribe, like the Nenets, living in the
Tundra. How would you raise awareness of the problems caused by global warming,
oil exploration and Arctic tourism?
Write a letter to the government highlighting the problems and why they need to
be addressed. Your letter should be a minimum of one page of A4.
Perth Academy: Geography 2013