Southern Arctic
Southern Arctic
Southern Arctic
geologic history
Evidence shows that the South Arctic, lying in the
southernmost part of the polar region, was formed
through the gradual piling up of sediments and
moraines deposited by the retreating glaciers more
than 8,500 years ago during the Holocene epoch.
These processes have moulded the topography of
the South Arctic to the specific and peculiar
features it possesses.
climate
The summer period in the South Arctic is an extremely short period, which lasts only
for about four months. Within this period, temperatures rise rather moderately, which
makes some vegetative and animal activities possible though even at this time the
warmth is quite short. The winters are wet and cool in the area, thus forming a strong
contrast to the short summer. Winters, being long and lasting most of the year, are
extremely cold with temperatures usually below freezing.
Overall, this southern Arctic region tends to receive very low precipitation, with the
yearly average well under 250mm annually. The eastern side of this area may buck this
trend at times, given intermittent periods of optimal environmental conditions to
allow this moisture to be above and beyond the average, with more than 500mm
vegetation
The Southern Arctic has such a harsh climatic
condition that it hardly allows any vegetation to
develop under such a situation. This further has
handicapped the people from agriculture and they
are dependent on fishing and hunting for their
livelihood.
Human activity
The southern Arctic conditions are very
severe, highly restricting the growth of
vegetation. Because of this, local
inhabitants cannot practice agriculture
and depend on fishing and hunting for their
livelihood.
landforms
Esker, kettle pond, patterned ground
glacial erratic bouldery till, hummocks,
frost-heaved boulders, mud boil, exposed
granitic bedrock, and glacial striations
are landforms in Southern Arctc.
climate change
The Southern Arctic is experiencing a crazy heating rate
almost double the global average. Such an amazing rise in
temperature is causing immense variations in ecosystem
dynamics and weather patterns. In addition, this rising
temperature brings about a remarkable shrinkage in sea ice
cover-very crucial for maintaining the balance in these
sensitive ecosystems. The melting of the permafrost, for that
matter, releases the store of greenhouse gases, which
contribute to global warming. These, in turn, give rise to
extreme weather conditions in the form of violent storms,
strange temperature variability, and unpredictability
regarding rains. Besides this change sets off erosion and
higher flood levels that are quite harmful to natural life
forms and human societies surviving on these types of
ecosystems.
The Inuit are the native inhabitants of the Southern Arctic, including land portions of
contemporary Canada, Greenland, and Alaska. Of the Eskimo-Aleut family of
languages, the Inuit migrated from Siberia thousands of years ago into one of Earth's
most inhospitable climates.
The Inuit further developed several place cultures over time, due to regional
differences and specific life demands in the Arctic. Their societies are deeply place-
connected and have a deep regard for the natural world, which informs their
sustainable practices.
They essentially relied on hunting and gathering but with a greater emphasis on marine
resources. They acquired skills in hunting different marine mammals, like seals,
whales, and walruses, which aside from giving them food, also gave them raw materials
for clothes, tools, and shelter. Supplementing their diet were ice fishing and hunting
land animals, such as caribou, reflecting the versatility and resourcefulness of
human beings.
Another important contribution of the Inuit is in their design and use of complex stone,
bone, and finally metal tools to make them viable under extreme conditions. For
instance, their conventional kayaks and umiaks made out of wood and animal skins can
easily hunt and get them across the icy waters.
FACTS
The Southern Arctic includes portions of the Arctic Ocean,
the northern coastlines of continents like North America
and Eurasia, and many islands, including those in the
Canadian Arctic Archipelago. This region faces harsh
climates, characterized by long, severe winters and brief,
cool summers. Winter temperatures can go down to -40°C
(-40°F). It's important to consider the well-being of local
wildlife such as polar bears, Arctic foxes, and migratory
birds, as well as the few plant species that thrive here,
including mosses, lichens, and low shrubs. Several
Indigenous groups, including the Inuit, have lived in the
Southern Arctic for thousands of years, skillfully
adapting to the challenging environment.
Animals
Above the tree line, the survival of animals and plants is very difficult. one of
the most interesting animals in this ecozone would be the caribou, which are
famous for their great migrations. Most of the birds migrate too, flying right
over the ecozone without ever actually settling in it.
importance to canada
My region, the Southern Arctic, holds significant importance
for Canada for a variety of compelling reasons. This area
encompasses some of the last untouched natural resources
frontiers in the country. The diverse arctic ecozones are not
only integral to the ecosystem but are also abundant in
valuable mineral and hydrocarbon resources. Specifically,
these ecozones are estimated to house 59% of Canada’s overall
oil resources and a striking 48% of its potential natural gas
resources. This abundance presents both economic
opportunities and challenges, as the region's delicate
environment must be carefully managed while exploring
sustainable development options. The Southern Arctic stands
at the intersection of environmental conservation and
resource extraction, making it a critical area for Canada's
future energy strategy and ecological preservation.
Arctic ecosystems
The Southern Arctic, which includes regions like the northern
coastlines of North America and Eurasia, has unique
ecosystems influenced by its particular climatic and
geographical features. Key characteristics of Arctic
ecosystems in this area include the prevalence of low-
growing vegetation such as mosses, lichens, grasses, and
dwarf shrubs. The growing season is brief, resulting in a
limited diversity of plant species. Animals have evolved thick
fur, blubber, and other traits to survive extreme cold. Some
species undergo seasonal colour changes for better
camouflage, while their migration patterns and feeding habits
are adapted to the fluctuating availability of resources
throughout the year.
Canadian Biodiversity:
Ecozones: Southern Arctic.
(n.d.).
Canadianbiodiversity.mcgill.ca.
Retrieved October 3, 2023, from
https://canadianbiodiversity.m
cgill.ca/english/ecozones/sou
thernarctic/southernarctic.ht
m