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Cold Environments

Cold environments include polar and tundra regions. They are found in cold climates with extreme temperatures and low precipitation. The ecosystems are fragile and interdependent. Plants and animals have adapted to survive in the cold, dry and snowy conditions. Cold environments have low biodiversity. There are development opportunities but also significant challenges. Cold environments are valuable wilderness areas that need to be sustainably managed and protected.

Polar and tundra environments have distinctive characteristics across climate, soil, plants, animals and people.

Key Terms

Permafrost — A layer of permanently frozen ground beneath the thin soil in tundra areas, holding trapped greenhouse gases.

Characteristics of Cold Environments

ComponentDetails
Climate1) Polar areas are very cold, normally below freezing. Winters tend to drop to -40 degrees C and can reach -90 degrees C. 2) Tundra areas are also cold. Warm months only reach a maximum of 10 degrees C, while winters can plunge to -50 degrees C. 3) Precipitation is low -- less than 100 mm a year in polar areas and less than 380 mm in tundra areas. 4) The seasons are well defined in both environments -- cold summers and even colder winters.
Soil1) Ice sheets cover polar areas, so no soil is exposed. 2) Tundra soil is thin, acidic and not very fertile. 3) Beneath the thin soil is a layer of permafrost (frozen ground), holding trapped greenhouse gases.
Plants1) Polar areas have few plants -- lichens and mosses grow on rocks, and grasses grow on the coast. 2) In tundra areas, hardy shrubs (e.g. bearberry), grasses, mosses and lichens are common. Small, short trees may grow in warmer areas.
Animals1) There are relatively few species in these ecosystems. 2) Polar bears, penguins, whales and seals are found in polar areas. 3) Lemmings, wolves and reindeer live in tundra areas.
People1) Polar areas are mostly uninhabited, but the Arctic has some indigenous residents and a few scientists work in Antarctica. 2) Tundra areas are home to many indigenous people, as well as oil and gas workers in larger towns.

Case Studies

Exam Tips

  • •Suggest two ways that animals have adapted to living in cold environments. [2 marks]
  • •Make sure you understand how changing one component of a cold environment ecosystem can have knock-on effects on the whole ecosystem.
  • •Cold environments can be challenging -- it's what you get when you combine a beautiful, frozen wilderness with some jolly useful development opportunities.
  • •Don't forget to take plenty of breaks -- revising is easier when you're chilled.