Arctic Tundra Case Study

• What are the main physical factors affecting the water and carbon cycles in the Arctic tundra?


  Temperature, rock permeability, porosity, and relief
• How does temperature affect the water cycle in the Arctic tundra?

  It keeps water stored as ground ice most of the year
• What happens to river flow in spring and early summer in the Arctic tundra?

  It sharply increases due to melting snow and ice
• Why is there limited groundwater and soil moisture in the Arctic tundra?

  Permafrost acts as a barrier to infiltration
• What is the average annual precipitation in the Arctic tundra?

  50-350 mm
• How does the presence of permafrost affect the water cycle?

  It impedes drainage and prevents infiltration
• What is the main feature of the carbon cycle in the Arctic tundra?

  The permafrost is a vast carbon sink
• Why does the Arctic tundra have a low rate of primary productivity?

  Limited by low temperatures and short growing season
• What happens to carbon emissions during the growing season in the tundra?

  Microorganisms release CO2 through respiration
• How has global warming affected the carbon cycle in the Arctic tundra?

  It may turn the permafrost from a sink to a source
• What is the estimated amount of carbon stored in permafrost globally?

  1600 GT of carbon
• How does vegetation affect the carbon cycle in the Arctic tundra?

  It contributes to carbon input in the soil
• What role does snow cover play in the Arctic tundra's carbon cycle?

  It insulates microbial organisms for decomposition
• What are the physical factors affecting the flows and stores of water in the Arctic tundra?

  Temperature, rock permeability, and relief
• What is the average temperature in the Arctic tundra during winter?

  -40°C
• How does latitude affect the climate of the Arctic tundra?

  Higher latitude means less solar energy received
• Why do coastal locations in the Arctic tundra have milder winters?

  Oceans heat up and cool down slowly
• What impact does the oil and gas industry have on the Arctic tundra's water and carbon cycles?

  It disrupts natural cycles and increases emissions
• What are the key characteristics of the Arctic tundra?

  • Severe climate with extreme conditions
  • Negative heat balance for 8-9 months
  • Ground is permanently frozen (permafrost)
  • Low annual precipitation
  • Low biodiversity
• What are the seasonal changes in the water and carbon cycles in the Arctic tundra?

  • Winter: Low flow, frozen conditions
  • Spring: Melting snow increases river flow
  • Summer: Wetlands and ponds form
  • Fall: Decreasing temperatures, reduced water availability
• What management strategies are used to mitigate the impacts of the oil and gas industry in the Arctic tundra?

  • Monitoring environmental impacts
  • Implementing sustainable practices
  • Restoring affected ecosystems
  • Reducing emissions from operations
• What factors affect climate variation in the Arctic tundra?

  • Proximity to the sea
  • Latitude and solar energy
  • Altitude and relief
  • Prevailing winds
• What are the main features of the water cycle in the Arctic tundra?

  • Low annual precipitation (50-350 mm)
  • Limited transpiration and evaporation
  • Groundwater and soil moisture stores are low
  • Permafrost inhibits drainage and infiltration
• What are the physical factors affecting the carbon cycle in the Arctic tundra?

  • Temperature limits plant growth
  • Organic matter in soil contributes to carbon storage
  • Mineral composition of rocks affects nutrient availability
  • Low temperatures slow decomposition rates
• How does the carbon cycle in the Arctic tundra differ from other ecosystems?

  • Permafrost acts as a significant carbon sink
  • Low temperatures slow decomposition
  • Carbon is stored mainly in frozen organic matter
  • Seasonal thawing affects carbon release dynamics
• What prevents transpiration in winter in the tundra?

  Sub-zero temperatures
• What occurs during summer in the tundra regarding evapotranspiration?

  Some evapotranspiration occurs from standing water
• How is humidity characterized in the tundra?

  Low all year round
• What limits plant growth in the tundra?

  Low temperatures and unavailability of water
• What is the total carbon store of biomass in the tundra?

  Relatively small
• How long does the growing season last in the tundra?

  Barely three months
• What compensates for the short growing season in the tundra?

  Long hours of daylight in summer
• How do low temperatures affect decomposition in the tundra?

  They slow decomposition and respiration
• Where is carbon mainly stored in the tundra?

  Partly decomposed plant remains in permafrost
• How long has most carbon in the tundra been locked away?

  At least 500,000 years
• What geological features dominate the tundra's permeability?

  Permafrost and crystalline rocks
• How does rock permeability influence the carbon cycle?

  It exerts little influence on the carbon cycle
• What has reduced the ancient rock surface in the tundra?

  Hundreds of millions of years of erosion
• How does minimal relief affect vegetation in the tundra?

  It limits the influence of altitude on vegetation
• What are the distinct stores within the water cycle in the Arctic tundra?

  Permafrost, oceans, ponds, and snow