Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Arctic tundra exists in lands circling the north pole. Even in summer, the soil just beneath the surface stays frozen -- this is permafrost. The two main locations of Arctic tundra include North America (Canada and Alaska) and Northern Russia. Trees find it impossible to take root in the frozen soil but a variety of plants, including small shrubs, grow in the tundra. Alpine tundra is found high on mountains above the treeline but tends to be well-drained compared to the Arctic tundra, which may be boggy.
In addition to the low temperature, tundra zones are also extremely windy, increasing the chill factor. Since no trees can grow, brutal winds sweep unimpeded across the landscape. Wildlife tends to be limited to migratory birds and animals suited to the cold such as reindeer, bison, rodents, foxes and wolves, among others.
With modern technology, the tundra zones have become frequent targets of prospectors for oil and hard-mineral deposits. Many tundra locations include repositories of mineral resources that make it worthwhile to drill and dig. Unfortunately, such work can also potentially damage the delicate tundra landscape.