Polar climates have an average temperature below 10°C throughout the year. The two major polar climates are the tundra and ice cap climates. These climate types are located at very high latitudes. These are the E climates in the Koppen System.
Polar Climates
A polar climate is cold year round. Average air temperatures are below 10°C for every month. Polar climates are found in Antarctica, North America and Asia.
This type of climate does not support forest plant communities. Polar climates either have tundra vegetation or no vegetation at all. Despite the presence of snow and ice, the actual amount of precipitation is very low. Polar climates are like deserts with respect to precipitation.
Ice Cap Climates
The ice cap climate is the coldest on earth. The average temperature for every month is below 0°C. Vegetation cannot grow in this frozen environment. Precipitation is very low year round. The snow and ice that can be seen has been accumulated over a long period of time.
Antarctica is the only continent with an ice cap. The northern parts of Asia and Greenland also have an ice cap climate.
Tundra Climates
The tundra climate is another very cold climate type. It has at least one month where temperatures are above freezing (0°C). Tundra climates are located from 50° to 70° latitude. It is located in the northern latitudes of North America and Asia. The summer is short with mild temperatures.
Tundra climates cannot support trees. On the other hand, some small shrubs, mosses, and lichens are able to survive. These small plants make up the tundra vegetation.
Summary
The polar climates are compared below.
Table of the Polar Climate Types
| Dry Climate Type | Temperature Conditions | Rainfall Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Ice cap | Below freezing year round | Low rainfall year round |
| Tundra | One month is above freezing | Low rainfall year round |
Reflections
Vocabulary
- ice cap
- polar
- tundra
Notes
- A polar climate is a very cold climate located in polar latitudes.
- The ice cap polar climate has temperatures below freezing throughout the year.
- Tundra polar climates have at least one month where temperatures are above freezing.
Bibliography
- An Atmosphere Study Guide
- About the Atmosphere
- Continental Climate, Enviropedia.
