Tundra Climate (ET)

Latitude/Longitude = 71.2^o N; 156^o W
Average Annual Temperature (^oC) = -12.7^o
Annual Temperature Range (^oC) = 32^o
Total Annual Precipitation (mm) = 110
Summer Precipitation (mm) = 74
Winter Precipitation (mm) = 36

Ice mounds on the Alaskan tundra.

Ice mounds are a common feature where 
permafrost underlies the surface.

Photo credit: USGS Digital Data Series DDS21. 
Used with permission

Geographic Distribution

• Arctic ocean border lands of North America;

• Greenland and Eurasia;

• Antarctic Peninsulas;

• some polar islands.

Controlling Factors

• Location in the high latitudes;

• Subsidence and divergence of the polar anticylone

• Arctic front cyclones

• cA, mP, cP

 Characteristics

• "Summer-less"; at least 9 months average below freezing.

• Low evaporation; precipitation usually below 10 in.