description Arctic Desert Overview
The Arctic Desert is a polar desert ecoregion covering high-latitude areas of the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of northern Canada, Greenland, Russia, and Arctic islands. It receives less than 250 millimeters of annual precipitation, mostly as snow. The landscape is characterized by ice caps, glaciers, and sparse vegetation limited to mosses and lichens in the brief summer months. Winter temperatures regularly fall below -40°C, making it one of Earth's harshest environments.
insights Ranking position
Arctic Desert ranks #8 of 118 in the Desert ranking, behind McMurdo Dry Valleys, ahead of Namib Sand Sea.
help Arctic Desert FAQ
How much precipitation does the Arctic Desert receive annually?
The Arctic Desert receives less than 250 millimeters of precipitation annually. Because temperatures are so low, this precipitation almost entirely falls as snow, classifying the region as a true polar desert.
What countries and territories are part of the Arctic Desert ecoregion?
The Arctic Desert covers high-latitude areas of the Northern Hemisphere across several regions. It includes parts of northern Canada, Greenland, Russia, and various Arctic islands like Svalbard.
Is the Arctic Desert always covered in ice and snow?
While incredibly cold, the Arctic Desert is not always covered in thick ice; its landscape is largely characterized by bare rock and frozen ground (permafrost). The severe cold means that any snow that does fall rarely melts, leading to permanent ice caps in certain areas.
What types of vegetation can survive in the Arctic Desert?
Because of the harsh climate and low precipitation, vegetation is extremely sparse, consisting mostly of lichens and mosses. The short, cold growing season prevents the establishment of larger plant life like shrubs or trees.
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