Polar climate

We explain what a polar climate is, and describe its characteristics and subtypes. In addition, we provide examples of plant and animal life in polar climate regions.

What is a polar climate?

A polar climate is a type of climate in which the mean annual temperature is less than 50 °F (10 °C). It is found in latitudes close to the North and South Poles, as well as in high mountain peaks like the Himalayas and the Andes. Polar climate regions cover about 20% of Earth's surface.

Regions with a polar climate also have very low rainfall. The low temperatures and the scarce humidity in the environment result in very little precipitation all year round. When it does occur, it usually falls in the form of snow.

The development of life in polar climate regions is challenging due to the extreme cold, both on land and in water. As a result, only a few plant and animal species have developed adaptations.

In addition, these areas are very sparsely populated compared to other regions, with many of them being virtually uninhabited.

• See also: Tropical climate

Characteristics of a polar climate

Some characteristics of a polar climate are:

• It is the coldest climate on Earth, with temperatures below 50 °F (10°C) in summer. The lowest recorded temperature was -128 °F (-89°C) at Vostok Station in Antarctica.
• It spreads across the North and South poles, as well as in mountainous areas.
• It has two marked seasons: a longer and extremely cold one, and a shorter and warmer one.
• It has polar days and polar nights, which means that in the summer days it does not get dark, and in the winter months can go by without the sun rising.
• It has very low annual rainfall.
• Very few plant and animal species thrive in it.
• It is found in virtually uninhabited areas with very few human settlements.

Polar climate types

Under the Köppen climate classification, there are three subtypes of polar climates:

• Tundra polar climate. The temperature in the warmest month is between 32 and 50 °F (0 - 10 °C). Some vegetation appears only during the summer months.
• Ice cap polar climate. The temperature in the warmest month does not reach 32 °F (0°C). There is no vegetation, and the fauna is very scarce.
• Nival polar climate. It has the same characteristics as the ice cap polar climate, but is found in high mountain areas.

The Köppen climate classification is one of the most widely used systems for differentiating climate types. According to this classification, there are five major climate types: tropical, arid or dry, temperate, continental, and polar climates.

Distribution of polar climates

The distribution of polar climates on Earth is as follows:

• Tundra. It is found in some areas of northern Canada and Greenland in North America, and in parts of Russia in Asia.
• Ice cap. This is the most widespread subtype of polar climate. It is found in much of Antarctica, near the North Pole, and on mainland Greenland.
• Nival. It is found at altitudes above 16,400 feet (5,000 m), in the peaks of Earth's highest mountain ranges, such as the Andes, the Rocky Mountains, and the Himalayas.

Flora and fauna of polar climates

Plant life in polar climates is typically scarce and small in size, due to the fact that the ground is frozen throughout most of the year, temperatures are very cold, and precipitation is minimal. During the warmer season, some mosses, lichens, and small shrubs thrive.

The wildlife of polar climates is characterized by the presence of animal species with physical adaptations that allow them to withstand the low temperatures all year round, including dense fur, abundant subcutaneous fat, and strong limbs.

Among the main animals of polar climates are polar bears, Arctic foxes, Arctic wolves, Arctic hares, and reindeers. Some of them migrate during the extreme cold period. Aquatic animals represent the greatest diversity of animal species in the polar regions, among them penguins, Atlantic puffins, seals, walruses, and whales.

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References

• Nuñez, S. (2020) Características del clima polar. https://www.ecologiaverde.com/
• Terrasa, D. (2018) Clasificación climática de Köppen. https://geografia.laguia2000.com/
• Vegas, J. (2023) Clima polar: características, temperatura y fauna. https://www.clima.com/