CLIMATE
Temperatures usually range
between -40°C (-40 °F)
and 18°C (64°F). This biome
sees 150 to 250 millimeters
(6 to 10 inches) of rain per
year.
WHAT IS
TUNDRA?
The tundra is the coldest of all
the biomes.
Tundra comes from the Finnish
word
“tunturi,”
meaning
“treeless plain.”
It also receives low amounts of
TUNDRA BIOMES
precipitation,
making
the
tundra similar to a desert.
Precipitation in the tundra totals
150 to 250 mm a year, including
melted snow. That's less than most
of the world's greatest deserts! Still,
the tundra is usually a wet place
because the low temperatures
cause evaporation of water to be
slow. Much of the arctic has rain
and fog in the summers, and water
gathers in bogs and ponds.
CHARACTERISTICS
1. Extremely cold climate
Tundra is found in the regions
2. Low biotic diversity
just below the ice caps of the
3. Simple vegetation structure
Arctic, extending across North
America, to Europe, and Siberia
in Asia.
Temperatures
are
frequently
extremely cold, but can get
warm in the summers.
4. Limitation of drainage
5. Short season of growth and
reproduction
6. Energy and nutrients in the form
of dead organic material
7. Large population oscillations
CHARACTERISTICS
ARCTIC
TUNDRA
The Arctic Tundra, a vast
treeless biome in the far north
of Earth, spans North America,
Europe, and Asia. Known for
freezing temperatures, strong
winds, and a short growing
season, the soil features
permafrost, restricting plant
root growth.
Climate: Extremely cold
winters, short cool
summers.
Location: Found in northern
parts of North America,
Asia, and Europe.
Vegetation: Mosses,
lichens, grasses, shrubs.
Wildlife: Polar bears, Arctic
foxes, caribou, etc.
Soil: Permafrost.
Precipitation: Low, mainly
as snow.
EXAMPLES
1.
Alaska's Arctic Tundra
spanning the northernmost
part of the state from the
Arctic Ocean to the treeline in
the Brooks Range, is a fragile
ecosystem crucial for global
climate regulation. This vital
region
stores
substantial
carbon in permafrost and
vegetation, emphasizing the
need for careful conservation.
2. Nunavut Territory located
in Canada's northern region,
features
extensive
Arctic
tundra crucial for global
climate regulation, providing
habitat for migratory birds,
supporting
indigenous
livelihoods, and serving as a
significant research site for
climate change and Arctic
ecosystems.
CHARACTERISTICS
ALPINE
TUNDRA
Alpine tundra is a type of
biome characterized by its cold
climate, high altitudes, and
treeless landscapes found in
mountainous regions around
the world. Unlike other tundra
types, such as the Arctic tundra,
which is found at high latitudes,
alpine tundra occurs at high
elevations
regardless
of
latitude.
Climate: Harsh conditions, milder
than Arctic tundra.
Location: High elevations on
mountains worldwide ( Rockies,
Alps, Andes, and Himalayas.)
Vegetation:
Alpine
grasses,
wildflowers,
and
low-growing
shrubs
adapted
to
extreme
conditions.
Wildlife: Species adapted to
mountain environments, such as
mountain goats, bighorn sheep,
marmots, pikas, and various birds.
Soil: Rocky and shallow, with
limited organic matter.
Precipitation: Varies by region,
often as snow.
EXAMPLES
1. Swiss Alps are pivotal locally for
Switzerland's identity, economy,
and freshwater supply, while
globally, they contribute to
climate regulation, biodiversity
conservation, and serve as
crucial
research
sites
for
understanding the impacts of
climate change on mountain
ecosystems
and
water
resources.
2. Himalayan Alpine range is
located in Asia in the countries of
Nepal, Tibet (China), India, Pakistan,
and Bhutan. The range makes a
curve of 1,500 miles through
Southern Asia.
This majestic
mountain range holds immense
cultural,
ecological,
and
geographical significance, serving
as a vital source of freshwater for
millions of people in the region.
Additionally, the Himalayas are
home to a rich diversity of flora and
fauna,
providing
habitat
for
numerous species and contributing
to global biodiversity.
CHARACTERISTICS
ANTARCTIC
TUNDRA
Antarctic tundra is often
lumped together with the Arctic
tundra
as
conditions
are
similar. But, as its name
suggests, the Antarctic tundra
is located in the Southern
Hemisphere around the South
Pole and on several Antarctic
and
sub-Antarctic
islands,
including South Georgia and
the South Sandwich Islands.
Climate: Freezing temperatures
and strong winds.
Location: Covers parts of
Antarctica, including the Antarctic
Peninsula and surrounding islands.
Vegetation: Limited vegetation,
primarily consisting of mosses,
lichens, and algae adapted to
survive in freezing conditions.
Wildlife: Penguins, seals, seabirds,
and krill are key species in the
Antarctic food web.
Soil: Sparse soil with limited organic
content.
Precipitation: Minimal, mainly as
snow.
EXAMPLES
1. Northwest Antarctic Peninsula
refers to the region situated in
the northwestern part of the
Antarctic Peninsula. This area is
known for its stunning icecovered landscapes, towering
glaciers, and frigid temperatures.
2. Central South Antarctic Peninsula,
situated at the southernmost tip of
the Antarctic Peninsula, is a region of
extreme cold and icy landscapes. It is
a key area for scientific research on
climate
change
and
polar
ecosystems, offering insights into the
effects of global warming on the
Antarctic environment. Additionally,
the region supports a diverse array of
Antarctic wildlife, including penguins,
seals, and seabirds, contributing to
the rich biodiversity of the Southern
Ocean.
2. CLIMATE REGULATION
Tundra reflects a significant
amount of sunlight back into
space, helping to keep our planet
cool.
Snow and ice cover in the tundra
also reflect heat, further
contributing to Earth's
temperature regulation.
3. FRESHWATER SOURCE
BENEFITS
Tundra, while seeming harsh
and desolate at first glance,
plays a crucial role in our planet's
health and well-being. Here are
some key benefits it offers:
1. CARBON STORAGE
Deep below the surface lies
permafrost,
permanently
frozen ground that stores
massive amounts of carbon
dioxide absorbed from the
atmosphere over millennia.
Tundra wetlands act as natural
sponges, storing and slowly
releasing
freshwater,
replenishing rivers and streams
even during dry periods.
This clean water provides vital
resources
for
downstream
communities and ecosystems.
4. UNIQUE BIODIVERSITY
Despite harsh conditions, tundra
supports a variety of specialized
plants and animals adapted to
the cold temperatures and short
growing season.
5. CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
Indigenous communities have
thrived
in
the
tundra
for
generations,
relying
on
its
resources for food, clothing, and
cultural practices.
6. SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
The frozen ground and preserved
organic matter in the tundra offer
a window into past climates and
environments.
Studying the changes in the
tundra helps us understand
climate change and predict its
future impacts.
AIR POLLUTION
THREATS
CLIMATE CHANGE
The overarching concern facing
tundra ecosystems is global
climate change.
Arctic temperatures have risen
three to five degrees over the
past 50 years and models
forecast that this may double in
the future.
Climate change has led to
larger and more frequent
wildfires, such as the largest
tundra fire in recorded history in
Alaska in 2007.
The majority of air pollution is
the result of human activities.
A recent study found that
Arctic clouds are particularly
sensitive to air pollution,
which spurs cloud formation
and has a blanketing effect.
Black carbon from diesel
engines, fires, and other
combustion can settle on
snow, decreasing its ability to
reflect sunlight and causing
faster melting
ECOLOGICAL IMBALANCE
In addition to global concerns,
ecosystem imbalances can
have
profound
regional
impacts.
For example, the snow geese
nesting on Canadian tundra
have increased by 5 to 7
percent annually since 1965,
from around 500 thousand to
estimates of around 5 million.
The red fox, which is typically
found farther south, is moving
north onto the tundra and
competing with the Arctic fox
for food and territory.
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Large reserves of oil, natural gas,
diamonds and other minerals
have been found beneath the
tundra,
leading
to
the
construction of roads, mines and
drilling operations.
The land where development
takes place is obviously affected,
but
indirect
effects
include
disrupted migration routes, road
dust that chokes plants and
lichens, and the potential for oil
spills.
All of this adds up and we now
impact much more of the tundra
biome than we did in the past.in
Alaska in 2007.
Environmental Monitoring
Engineers conduct environmental
assessments and monitor ecosystems
to track changes over time. This data
helps identify potential threats to
biodiversity, allowing for timely
intervention and the implementation of
mitigation measures to preserve
ecological balance.
Sustainable Practices
ROLES
CIVIL ENGINEERS PLAY A VITAL ROLE
IN PROTECTING BIODIVERSITY AND
MAINTAINING ECOLOGICAL BALANCE
THROUGH VARIOUS MEANS:
Infrastructure Planning
Civil engineers design infrastructure
projects, such as roads, bridges, and
buildings, with careful consideration
for their environmental impact. They
assess the potential effects on
biodiversity and ecosystems, seeking
to minimize disruption to natural
habitats and wildlife corridors.
Civil engineers promote sustainable
development practices by
incorporating principles of
environmental stewardship into their
projects. This includes using ecofriendly materials, implementing
energy-efficient design strategies, and
advocating for renewable energy
sources to reduce ecological footprint
and mitigate habitat loss.
Collaboration
Engineers collaborate with scientists,
conservationists, policymakers, and
local communities to develop
comprehensive conservation plans and
management strategies. By working
together, they can leverage expertise
and resources to address complex
environmental challenges and protect
biodiversity effectively.
Innovation and Research
Civil engineers contribute to research
and innovation aimed at advancing
environmental conservation and
biodiversity protection. They develop
new technologies, methodologies, and
best practices to minimize
environmental impact and enhance
habitat restoration efforts.
NOTES:
Overall, civil engineers play a crucial role in
integrating environmental considerations into
infrastructure
development,
promoting
sustainable
practices,
and
fostering
collaboration to protect biodiversity and
maintain ecological balance for present and
future generations.