By Colleen Flood
Updated Mar 24, 2022
Three distinct tundra climate zones exist: Alpine, Arctic, and Antarctic.
Solar radiation—sunlight that reaches Earth—is the faintest at the planet’s polar ends. As a result, Arctic and Antarctic tundras receive less solar energy than most regions. The amount of radiation absorbed depends on surface albedo, season, and cloud cover. Snow‑covered polar landscapes reflect most sunlight, so they absorb less than darker, drier surfaces. During polar winter the sun never rises above the horizon, meaning no direct solar input; during the long summer day, the extended daylight boosts incoming radiation. Clouds can actually warm the surface by trapping long‑wave radiation, and alpine tundra, situated at lower latitudes, generally receives greater solar input than polar zones.
Air temperature governs the overall tundra climate. In polar regions, clear skies allow heat to escape more readily, producing colder winter temperatures, while cloud cover can retain warmth. The seasonal pattern reverses in summer. Typical temperature ranges are –10 °F to 41 °F in polar tundras and –2 °F to 50 °F in alpine zones. Elevation is a key driver in alpine climates: the higher the altitude, the cooler the air. Consequently, an alpine tundra in Alaska sits at a lower elevation than one near the equator, reflecting the interplay of latitude and altitude.
All tundra types are characterized by extremely low precipitation—often referred to as “frozen deserts.” Most of the precipitation falls as snow, and plant life has evolved to thrive under these arid, cold conditions. Alpine tundras average roughly 9 inches of precipitation annually, while polar tundras average about 8 inches.
Low atmospheric pressure helps keep temperatures low. Alpine tundra sits at high mountain peaks where pressure drops sharply with altitude. Polar tundra experiences persistently low pressure at the Earth’s poles, contributing to its cold, dry climate.
