Seasonal changes in tundra

What’s the location of tundra

North slope tundra Alaska

What are the changes in climate in the tundra

changes in climate include temperature and precipitation

What are the changes in temperature in the summer

Major temperature change (20-45*) but it’s only above freezing for 3 months. During spring, rising temperatures cause frozen ground and permafrost to thaw, increasing surface run off and water cannot easily infiltrate. During summer months, higher temperatures causes melting of snow and ice, meltwater flows into rivers and streams increasing overland flows.

What are the changes in temperature in the winter

During the winter months, precipitation in the tundra mainly falls as snow, this accumulates on the surface, temporarily storing water. Water stored in permafrost is a major store. It’s an active layer of frozen water thus prevents infiltration and movement of water underground.

How does changes in precipitation affect the flows and stores of water in the tundra

There’s low precipitation all year, but slightly higher in summer. This leads to increased rainfall which adds to surface stores and higher surface run off can occur since the permafrost prevents infiltration.

How does changes in sunlight and foliage affect the north slope tundra / water cycle

There’s a significant change in sunlight as winter has no sunlight but during summer months there is constant sunlight although it’s less concentrated. This can lead to increased evapotranspiration rates as there will be more vegetation cover compared to winter

How does changes in foliage affect the north slope tundra water cycle

There’s a significant change, none in winter and moderate growth in summer, but still little vegitation to start with, much lower NPP(200) than Amazon (2500). There can be increased interception and transpiration, reducing run off