The Arctic tundra in Svalbard
Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago located halfway between Norway and the north pole, between 74° and 81° north latitude. The plant life here exists in marginal conditions. The growing season here is very short and the extreme low temperatures make sure that no trees can grow here. However, many plant species have figured out ways to evolve in this arctic landscape.
There are around 160 plants species, 380 mosses and 600 lichens found in Svalbard that exist in many different combinations, often referred to as vegetation types, or plant communities.
They are slow growing perennials and many of them reproduce by brood buds or runners, not by seeds. The largest plants are the dwarf shrubs here.
 |
| Lichen in Svalbard. Photo: Tim Ellis, Flickr |
There are around 160 plants species, 380 mosses and 600 lichens found in Svalbard that exist in many different combinations, often referred to as vegetation types, or plant communities.
 |
| Polar willow, deciduous shrub Photo: Geir Wing Gabrielsen / Norwegian Polar Institute |
They are slow growing perennials and many of them reproduce by brood buds or runners, not by seeds. The largest plants are the dwarf shrubs here.
 |
| The bird cliff at Alkehornet Photo: Maite Cerezo / Norwegian Polar Institute |
The unusual warm ocean currents makes Svalbard suitable for bird colonies, that in return fertilize the ground at the foot of the cliff. This provides nutrients for vegetation.
 |
| Moss in Svalbard. Photo: Austin Arctic Adventures |
The moss tundra is closer to the cool coasts. They look like continuous carpet and they provide very good heat insulation. In some places, the permafrost is only 20-30 cms below.
References
Comments
Post a Comment