Topography
- In northern Canada, is a combination of lowlands and mountains
- Lowlands are found in a series of islands lying to the north of Hudson Bay
- Mountains are found in the northwest border
- Area near the ocean is very flat
- Mountains of the far north were formed by folding, covered by glaciers
Climate
- Climate is very severe because of its' distance from the equator
- Winter lasts for ten months in the north
- Summer is very short and cool
- Because of little precipitation, the Arctic Region is actually a desert
- Temperatures go down below -30 C in the winter, and never goes above 5 C in the summer
- Precipitation rarely breaks 25mm monthly
Vegetation
- Not many life forms, other than lichen, can grow on the mountains of the region
- Trees cannot grow either, as the climate is too cold and dry
- Only a tiny amount of thawing occurs during the summer
- Small shrubs, mosses and lichens are the only plants that can grow
- Cling to the ground, soak up the little amounts of warmth and water available
Economic Activity
- Arctic holds large amounts of hydrocarbons and minerals
- Oil and gas are also developing industries within the Arctic
Environmental Concerns
- Climate change is a rising global issue that affects the Arctic
- Greenhouse gasses cause warming of the planet, and for tundras like the Arctic, this is a problem as animals and lifeforms that are adapted to the cold temperatures might not take the warmer climate too well
- Another problem in the Arctic is the use of toxic chemicals and the presence of pollutant gasses
- Toxic chemicals used in industries are prone to being exposed to the wind and ocean current of the Arctic, and at risk of affecting lifeforms and people living in the area
- Pollutants, like other regions, are at risk of worsening the greenhouse gas problem of the Arctic, as well as affecting the air quality