Seasonal Info The arctic tundra really only seasons are winter and summer. In the summer, the sun is present 24 hours a day. In the winter, however, there are weeks where the summer never rises. The biodiversity in the arctic tundra is relatively low, with around 1700 species of plants and 48 land mammals. We suggest visiting in the summer months because you can watch various species of animals migrate to and from the tundra. This includes herds of caribou and migratory birds. Animals rely on the tundra for its lack of predators, abundant plants, insects, and fish.

*On our tours you will view herds of wildlife from the safety of our critically acclaimed Tundra Lodge

The Environment Global warming is negatively impacting the arctic tundra biomes. In the summer, plants grow fast taking in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This doesn’t last long, however, before organic matter can decay, it freezes again. Therefore, carbon from the atmosphere that was in plants is now frozen in permafrost. Then, when the permafrost melts, the carbon is released back into the atmosphere. Spreading tourism around the Tundra is a vital part of sustaining this ecosystem. Bringing awareness to the changing climate and receding animal population is crucial.

Climate Info The tundra is one of Earth's coldest and harshest biomes. This biome’s ecosystems are treeless regions found in the Arctic and on the tops of mountains. Tundra lands are snow-covered for much of the year until summer brings a burst of wildflowers. The Arctic tundra has an average temperature of 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The summer growing season is just 50 to 60 days when the sun shines 24 hours a day. Precipitation is irregular because of the Tundra's naturally cold, dry and windy climate.

*Data from Baker Lake, Canada

Works Cited

"Activities in the Tundra!" USA Today.

Gannett Satellite Information

Network, n.d. Web. 22 Jan. 2017.

"Biomes." Earth Floor. ETE Team, n.d.

Web. 20 Jan. 2017.

Nelson, Rob. "Arctic Tundra Biome."

Arctic Tundra Biome. N.p., Apr.

2007. Web. 19 Jan. 2017.

By Will Dodds, Lucas Meek, Sam Rosenstein and Lizzy Sagerson

Visiting and vacationing in the Artic Tundra is not for the faint of heart. Our tours contain intrepid endeavors along with the viewing of an amazing ecosystem containing fascinating species. This amazing environment is sure to be the experience of a lifetime!

Special Features! This is the earth's coldest biome! Since the sun does not rise for nearly six months of the year, it is not unusual for the temperature to be below -30°F in winter. The earth of the Arctic tundra has permanently frozen subsoil, called permafrost, which makes it impossible for trees to grow.

Sweet Characteristics!

• Tree-less • Low biotic diversity. • Mostly flat but contains

mountainous areas • Frost molded landscape • Short season of growth and

reproduction. • Energy and nutrients in the form

of dead organic material. • Large population oscillations. • The soil is poor in nutrients, which

accounts for the low amount of vegetation.

“4 out of 5 Stars! Adventure of a lifetime! Seeing constant sunlight

for four straight months was like being born again. My favorite part was how permafrost allows little room for deep rooting plants and trees.” -Kiplan Dynamite: Tundra Tourist April 2014- July 2014

Ecosystem Info Arctic plants are adapted to sweeping winds and disturbances of the soil. Plants group together to resist the cold temperatures and are protected by the snow during the winter. The growing seasons are short and most plants reproduce by budding & division. Activity Option – For viewing the unique and abundant plant and wildlife we suggest hiking with our nature guides! Animals can handle cold winters and breed young quickly in the summer. Arctic animals also have additional insulation from fat. Many animals hibernate during the winter because food is not abundant. An alternative is to migrate south in the winter. Because of immigration and emigration, the population continually oscillates.

Activity Option – For viewing wild animals

such as polar bears participants prefer our tundra trailer excursions!

Wild Animal Adaptations The Musk Ox grows two layers of fur. Air is trapped in the short layer of fur and is warmed by body heat. The layer of long fur protects the Musk Ox from the wind and water. The hooves of the Musk Ox are also large and hard. During the winter months, this adaptation allows the Musk Ox to break the ice and drink the water underneath. Unique Plant Adaptations Arctic Willow grow close together and low to the ground in order to survive. This growing pattern helps the plant resist the effects of cold temperatures and reduce the damage caused by the impact of tiny particles of ice and snow that are driven by the dry winds.

5 Star Reviews! "I had an amazing time driving our

trailer alongside a herd of musk ox. The ability to move along with different migrating animal species was truly invigorating!" -Michael Scott: Tundra Tourist June 2015- August 2015