Location & Environmental Conditions
The Tundra can be found at high latitudes (far away from the equator) or on top of mountains at high altitudes. The two types of tundra are referred to as Alpine tundra (mountain tundra) and Arctic tundra (high latitude tundra). There is a permanent layer of of lower level soil which is permanently frozen all year long called permafrost. It has a short growing season of only 2-3 months. the average summer temperature is 12 degrees Celsius and an average winter temperature of -26 degrees Celsius. The average rain fall in the Tundra is 30-50 cm. It is usually found between 60-80 degrees latitude, but may be found on mountain tops at any latitude. Very few plants and animals can survive in the harsh climate. Depending on the time of year the Tundra may receive 24 hours of sunlight (during the height of summer) or none at all (during the middle of the winter).