The arctic tundra is located in the extreme northern hemisphere around the North Pole. This area experiences low amounts of precipitation and extremely cold temperatures for most of the year. The arctic tundra typically receives less than 10 inches of precipitation per year (mostly in the form of snow) with temperatures averaging below minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit in winter. In summer, the sun remains in the sky during the day and night. Summer temperatures average between 35-55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Alpine tundra The alpine tundra biome is also a cold climate region with temperatures averaging below freezing at night. This area receives more precipitation throughout the year than the arctic tundra. The average annual precipitation is around 20 inches. Most of this precipitation is in the form of snow.
The alpine tundra is also a very windy area. Strong winds blow at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour.Alpine tundrathe best time to travel to the Arctic Tundra. Arctic - from October to the beginning of December The continent is covered in snow to the water's edge. Penguins build highways as they waddle the same path again and again, from the sea to their nests far from shore.
During these period penguins, shags and seabirds court and lay their eggs. Arctic- from December through FebruaryThe snow retreats, exposing rocky headlands. Penguin chicks hatch and their parents spend endless hours feeding their hungry young. Arctic - from mid-February to March The whales return to feed.
Seals haul out on the beachheads and penguins begin to molt. Antarctica is preparing for long months of darkness. Highlights for travelers are whales, red snow and fledging Gentoo Penguins acting like miniature Charlie Chaplins. The Arctic - from June to mid-JulyThis is the best time to see ice and snow.
The midnight sun has not yet melted the ice, so polar bears and walrus will be hunting on the ice edge. Birds are returning to breed. The Arctic - from mid-July to mid-AugustThe best time to circumnavigate Spitsbergen, as ice is less likely to block channels. Tundra flowers are blooming. Wildlife is abundant.
The Arctic - from mid-August to September The days are shortening; birds begin to migrate south; and skies can be moody. TIME TO VISIT THE TUNDRA BIOME The best time to visit the Tundra Biome is in the middle of summer because it’s the warmest time. Pack warm Cloths because it’s very cold and tents and heaters. Clothing Clothing for traveling in the tundra biome must reflect the adverse conditions. In summer, thick sweaters and heavy jeans would see campers through the nights, but in winter very technically advanced foul-weather gear is necessary.
The U.S. Arctic Program (usap.gov) recommends thermal underwear, thermax socks, 100-weight pile garments for above and below the waist and poly-pro and pile gloves. USAP further advises dressing in layers comprising at least polypropylene underwear that wicks moisture away from the skin, an intermediate layer of polar fleece -- it advises "thickness is warmth" -- and a wind- and waterproof outer layer.
Cold-weather clothing accessories should be organized that particularly protect the head, neck and extremities with just as many layers as the clothing for the trunk and limbs. EquipmentObtain sturdy, functional equipment rather than shiny gear packaged in dramatic boxes. Carry a gas or propane stove, rather than expecting to be able to collect firewood; use a fire pan to prevent fire scars. A first-aid kit and the knowledge of how to use it is vital. Signaling devices -- smoke flares, mirrors and strobes -- or signal cloths and a ground-to-air radio are also suggested.
Snow blindness can be agonizing and incapacitating, so polarized sunglasses are a must. Carry food sufficient for survival through the worst possible scenario; if your vehicle were to break down, consider how long -- at the outside -- rescue could take to arrive, then pack for that eventuality. Food and heating materials must all be available in sufficient quantities to survive a disaster. Avoid strong-smelling foods -- they can attract predatory animals and bears -- and always cook at a distance from your camp.
