E-Book Overview
The geography and geology of tundra habitats have many physical and climatic constraints. Yet while biodiversity is low, ecosystems still exist in this environment. Much of the megafauna that we are familiar with - such as wooly mammoths and giant elk - inhabited tundra environments, and much of what we know of early human activity took place in this harsh ecosystem. "Tundra" presents a thorough overview of the tundra habitat - past, present, and future. Unique qualities of life, such as slow-growing dwarf trees and animals exhibiting large bodies and small ears, are described and discussed in the context of adaptation and survival strategy. The history and prehistory of tundra are also explored. Past and present exploitation of tundra ecosystems is diverse. There is abundant mineral, gas, and oil wealth in these areas, and ecotourism and winter sports are abundant. As use of tundra ecosystems expands, problems connected with climate change, waste disposal, and other threats to the ecosystem must be addressed. "Tundra" examines these issues and more, in an easy-to-use format perfect for any science library or classroom.
E-Book Content
BIOMES OF THE EARTH
TUNDRA Peter D. Moore Illustrations by Richard Garratt
Tundra Copyright © 2006 by Peter D. Moore All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher. For information contact: Chelsea House An imprint of Infobase Publishing 132 West 31st Street New York NY 10001
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Moore, Peter D. Tundra / Peter D. Moore; illustrations by Richard Garratt. p. cm. — (Biomes of the Earth) Includes bibliographical references (p. ) and index. ISBN 0-8160-5325-1 1. Tundra ecology—Juvenile literature. 2. Tundras—Juvenile literature. I. Garratt, Richard, ill. II. Title. III. Series. QH541.5.T8M66 2006 577.5’86—dc22 2005035618 Chelsea House books are available at special discounts when purchased in bulk quantities for businesses, associations, institutions, or sales promotions. Please call our Special Sales Department in New York at (212) 967-8800 or (800) 322-8755. You can find Chelsea House on the World Wide Web at http://www.chelseahouse.com Text design by David Strelecky Cover design by Cathy Rincon Illustrations by Richard Garratt Photo research by Elizabeth H. Oakes Printed in China CP Hermitage 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 This book is printed on acid-free paper.
From Peter Moore: To Eunice, Helen, and Caroline From Richard Garratt: To Chantal, who has lightened my darkness
CONTENTS Preface Acknowledgments Introduction
ix xiii xv
CHAPTER 1
GEOGRAPHY OF THE TUNDRA Where is the tundra biome found? What factors determine tundra distribution? The Earth’s climate patterns Climate in the polar tundra Albedo
Climate in the alpine tundra Lapse rate
Diversity of tundra landscapes Arctic tundra vegetation Alpine tundra vegetation Conclusions
1 1 4 7 14 15
18 19
22 23 26 29
CHAPTER 2
GEOLOGY OF THE TUNDRA Polar geology Mountain geology Plate tectonics
Ice accumulation Ice sheets, ice caps, and glaciers Effects of glaciation After the ice Patterns on the ground Soil formation in the tundra Soil types of the tundra Soil change in time
31 31 33 34
35 36 40 43 46 55 57 62
The tundra atmosphere Conclusions
64 67
CHAPTER 3
THE TUNDRA ECOSYSTEM What is an ecosystem? Tundra food webs and energy flow Nutrient cycling in the tundra Stability of the tundra ecosystem Conclusions
69 69 72 76 81 82
CHAPTER 4
BIODIVERSITY OF THE TUNDRA Living in the freezer T