Arctic Tundra

Question 1

Arctic Tundra location and facts

Answer 1

Area surrounding North Pole
From edge of Arctic Ocean to the coniferous forest of the Taiga
Covered in permafrost (treeless region)

Question 2

Which 3 factors prevent life thriving in permafrost?

Answer 2

Sun
Temperature
Precipitation

Question 3

Arctic Tundra facts:

Answer 3

8 million km^2
Coldest/harshest biomes in the world
Low precipitation (50-350mm)

Question 4

How much carbon is contained in permafrost?

Answer 4

14% of Earth’s permafrost

Question 5

How many species live in the Arctic Tundra (plant and animal)?

Answer 5

1700 plant

48 animal

Question 6

What happens to the permafrost in the summer?

Answer 6

Active layer thaws and plants begin to grow

Question 7

How deep is the active layer?

Answer 7

30-200mm deep

Question 8

What are the 3 categories of land in the tundra (describe each)?

Answer 8

Continuous (Unbroken permafrost layer)
Discontinuous (numerous permafrost free areas)
Sporadic (Rare patches of permafrost)

Question 9

Why is the tundra flat and what does this mean?

Answer 9

Continuous erosion and weathering

Reduces drainage and causes water logging in summer when permafrost melts

Question 10

Photosynthesis and respiration in Arctic Tundra?

Answer 10

Low photosynthesis (and thus respiration) due to lack of sunlight, water, biomass
Increase in summer when permafrost melts, soil allows carbon to flow into atmosphere

Question 11

How does permafrost change from winter to summer?

Answer 11

Carbon sink in winter

Carbon source in summer

Question 12

5 methods to manage oil and gas industry impacts :

Answer 12

Insulated pads
Elevated pipelines
Refrigerated support
Lateral drilling
Remote exploration