Tundra

In the very cold places of the world, survival isn't easy. The soil is frozen, its top surface thawing only during summer, and no trees can grow. Still plants and animals that have adapted to the harsh conditions live. This ecosystem is called the tundra. Most of the world's tundra is found in the Arctic. There is a small amount of tundra on parts of Antarctica that are not covered with ice. Also tundra is found on mountains at high altitudes and is called alpine tundra. Permafrost is the term given to frozen soil. During the winter months, permafrost reaches the surface of the tundra. It is very cold during the winter, with temperatures reaching -60 degrees F. Well, in the summer time, the tundra changes. The Sun is out almost 24 hours a day, so the tundra starts to warm up. The permafrost melts at the surface, and plant life grows. However, the permafrost only disappears for a few inches below the surface. There isn't enough soil for trees to grow, so only small plants are found in the tundra. In Tundra there is a lot of wind and it's covered with ice and snow.