SUBARCTIC CLIMATE
(most measurements in Fahrenheit and inches... sorry rest of the world)
Subarctic climate is only found in high latitude, inland areas in the Northern Hemisphere. Extreme winters and short, somewhat warm summer create the largest temperature range of any climate. Cold temperatures mean little precipitation here, but enough falls to cover most of the land in snow for much of the year. Despite the harsh climate, several large animals are supported in this climate.
Where is Subarctic Climate Usually Located?
Subarctic climate is usually found in the interior (not coastal) of high latitude continents usually between 50 and 70 degrees latitude. Since there are no large continents in high latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere, Subarctic climate is only found in the Northern Hemisphere.
What Seasons Does Subarctic Climate Have?
Subarctic climate has 2 seasons. The winter is much longer and extremely cold, with the cool to mild summer lasting only 2-3 months. The summer is sometimes only 1 month long in the areas farthest north.
What are the Temperatures like in Subarctic Climate?
Since it is found away from the coast (interior), the ocean water doesn't help to warm the land in the winter. The main cause of the temperatures in Subarctic is latitude. Temperatures can reach -40 degrees in the winter and be as high as 85 degrees in the summer--which is the widest range of temperatures of any climate. That would be a 125 degree temperature range.
How Much Precipitation Does Subarctic Climate Receive?
There is very little evaporation because of the cold temperatures, so very little precipitation falls here. Between 10 and 20 inches of rain falls in Subarctic areas. Most of the rain falls in the summer, when evaporation levels are higher. Subarctic regions are covered in snow for most of the year. The short warm summer melts some or most of the snow.
What Kinds of Vegetation (Plants) Does Subarctic Climate Have?
Not all trees are able to survive the long winters, but evergreen trees (conifers) such as pine and spruce are hardy enough to survive the cold. The forests of Subarctic climate are often called the Taiga. Taiga is the largest land biome in the world since large areas of Russian and Canada are covered in Subarctic Taiga. A biome is an area that is similar in climate and geography. Other ferns, shrubs and grasses can be found during summer months.
This is a pictures of Conifer needles.
This is a pictures of a few different types of conifer trees.
This is a picture of conifers in the snow.
What Kinds of Animals Does Subarctic Climate Have?
Many animals can survive the harsh climate of the Subarctic. Black and Grizzly Bears, Bald Eagles, wolves, bobcats, and wolverines are some of the animals found here. Caribou and moose are also found here. All of these animals either hibernate or migrate during the coldest months of winter. Thick fur also allows them to survive the cold winters. In the summers, mosquitoes are known to swarm is huge groups and drive people crazy.
This is a picture of a brown bear standing up.
This is a picture of a bobcat.
This is a picture of a lots of mosquitos swarming on a person's hat.