Climate Zones and Characteristics

Front

Found in the arctic

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Tundra

Front

cover about one-fifth of the Earth's surface and are found on every continent.

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Desserts

Front

receives less than 10 inches (25 cm) of precipitation per year.

Back

Deserts

Front

Are very hot during the day and can have near-freezing temperatures at night.

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Hot deserts

Front

Have long, cold winters and short, moderately warm summers.

Back

Cold deserts

Front

Soils are often sandy or rocky, with little organic matter. Despite the dryness, many desert soils contain abundant nutrients that become productive when water is available.

Back

Desert

Front

The ground contains a layer of permanently frozen subsoil called permafrost, which prevents deep tree roots from growing.

Back

Tundra

Front

Receives very low precipitation, typically 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm) per year, which is less than most hot deserts.

Back

Tundra

Front

The permafrost also prevents water from draining, so during the brief summer thaw, the topsoil layer can become saturated with water, forming bogs and ponds.

Back

Tundra

Front

Characterized by long, dark, and frigid winters and short, cool summers with continuous daylight.

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Tundra