Tundra - GCSE Geography Definition

The tundra is a cold and treeless region found mainly in the Arctic and on mountain tops. Its climate is harsh with strong winds, very low temperatures and little rainfall, which means that only hardy plants like mosses, lichens, and small shrubs can survive. The ground is often frozen all year round, known as permafrost, which prevents deep-rooted plants from growing. In the short summer, the top layer of soil thaws enough for some plant life to grow and for animals like reindeer and Arctic foxes to find food. In summer, the sun shines 24 hours a day, whereas in winter, the sun rarely appears. The tundra plays an important role in Earth's climate system by reflecting sunlight due to its ice and snow cover.