11.1.4. Polar Climates (E)

Polar climates exist poleward beyond 70° latitude. They consist of two types: (i) Tundra (ET); (ii) Ice Cap (EF).

Polar climates are found in regions that are farthest from the equator, specifically beyond 70 degrees latitude. This extreme location leads to harsh weather conditions, resulting in two main climate types: Tundra and Ice Cap. The Tundra climate has some vegetation, whereas the Ice Cap climate is largely devoid of life due to its extreme cold.

Imagine you're far from the equator, like being at the North or South Pole. Just like how you would need heavy winter clothes to survive in a freezing environment, polar climates are extremely cold year-round. You won't find lush forests or jungles here; instead, it's barren and icy, much like a giant freezer!

The tundra climate (ET) is so called after the types of vegetation, like low growing mosses, lichens and flowering plants. This is the region of permafrost where the sub soil is permanently frozen. The short growing season and water logging support only low growing plants. During summer, the tundra regions have very long duration of day light.

The Tundra climate is characterized by its unique vegetation, which includes low-growing plants such as mosses and lichens. The ground beneath the surface, known as permafrost, remains frozen year-round, limiting the growth of larger plants because their roots cannot penetrate deeply. The growing season is short, allowing only a brief window for plants to flourish. Interestingly, in the summer months, polar regions experience extended daylight hours, which supports plant growth despite the cold temperatures.

Think of the tundra like a cold desert where the soil is like a permanent ice block. During the brief summer, it's like a party that lasts only a few hours, where plants quickly bloom like guests rushing in before curfew, taking advantage of the long daylight to grow before winter returns.

The ice cap climate (EF) occurs over interior Greenland and Antarctica. Even in summer, the temperature is below freezing point. This area receives very little precipitation. The snow and ice get accumulated and the mounting pressure causes the deformation of the ice sheets and they break. They move as icebergs that float in the Arctic and Antarctic waters. Plateau Station, Antarctica, 79°S, portrays this climate.

The Ice Cap climate is found in extremely cold regions, particularly in places like Greenland and Antarctica. In these areas, temperatures rarely rise above freezing, even during the summer months. Precipitation is minimal, meaning that the area is dry. As snow accumulates, it compresses and can form large ice sheets. Over time, these ice sheets can break and drift into the ocean as icebergs, which are massive chunks of ice that float in the water.

Imagine a massive, frozen cake that is so heavy and PILEd with frosting (snow) that after a while, parts of it start to slide off the table (break off into icebergs). Even when it’s summer, the cake never really melts because it's kept in a super cool room (the climate remains below freezing), and any crumbs that fall off don't really add to the calories; they just stay there because there's hardly any fresh frosting (precipitation) being added.

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