permafrost
Arctic Tundra The Arctic tundra lies north of the subarctic boreal forest and is located throughout the Arctic regions of the northern hemisphere Figure 44.12 . The average winter temperature is -34 C -34 F and the average summer temperature is from 3 C to 12 C 37 F52 F . Plants in the arctic tundra have a very short growing season of approximately 1012 weeks. However, during this time, there are almost 24 hours of daylight and plant growth is rapid. The annual precipitation of the Arctic tundra is very low with little annual variation in precipitation. And, as in the boreal forests, there is little evaporation due to the cold temperatures. Plants in the Arctic tundra are generally low to the ground Figure 44.20 . There is little species diversity, low net primary productivity, and low aboveground biomass. The soils of the Arctic tundra may remain in a perennially frozen state referred to as permafrost. The permafrost makes it impossible for roots to penetrate deep into the soil and slows the decay of organic matter, which inhibits the release of nutrients from organic matter. During the growing season, the ground of the Arctic tundra can be completely covered with plants or lichens.