Arctic

From ExtremeWiki

climate of the arctic .the arctic`s climate is characterized by cold winters and cool summers.precipitation mostly comes in the form of snow.the arctic`s annual precipitation is low,with most of the area receiving less than 50 cm(20 inches).high winds often stir up snow,creating the illusion of continuous snowfall.average winter temperatures can be as low as-40c(-40f),and the coldest recorded temperature is approximately -68c(-90f).coastal arctic climates are moderated by oceanic influences, having generally warmer temperatures and heavierv snowfalls than the colder and drier interior areas.plants.arctic vegetation is composed of plants such as dwarf shrubs,ggraminoids,herbs,linches and mosses,witch all grow relatively close to the ground,forming tundra.as one moves northward,the amount of warmth available for plant growth decreases consierably.in the northernmost areas,plants are at their metabolic limits,and small differences in the total amount of summer warmth make large diferences in the amount of energy available for maintenance,growth and reproduction.colder summer temperatures cause the size,abundance,produtivity and variety of plants to decrease.trees cannot grow in the arctic ,but in its warmest parts,shrubs are common and can reach 2 m(6 ft) in height; sedges ,mosses and linches can form thick layers.in the coldest parts of the arctic,much of the ground is bare;nonvascular plants such as linches and mosses predominate,along with a few scattered grasses and forbs (like the arctic poppy).