Baffin coastal tundra facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Baffin coastal tundra |
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Sam Ford Fjord shoreline on the eastern side of the Remote Peninsula
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1105. Baffin Coastal Tundra
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| Ecology | |
| Realm | Nearctic |
| Biome | Tundra |
| Borders | Davis Highlands tundra |
| Bird species | Snow bunting |
| Mammal species | Polar bear, Arctic hare, Arctic fox, lemming, caribou |
| Geography | |
| Area | 9,100 km2 (3,500 sq mi) |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Nunavut |
| Geology | rocky coast, fjords |
| Conservation | |
| Conservation status | Relatively stable/intact |
| Habitat loss | 0% |
| Protected | 0% |
The Baffin coastal tundra is a special natural area, or ecoregion, located in the far northern part of North America. You can find it on the central north coast of Baffin Island in Nunavut, a territory in Canada. This area is a type of tundra where the ground is always frozen, a condition called permafrost. The average temperature here stays below freezing all year round.
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What is the Baffin Coastal Tundra Like?
This ecoregion is a narrow strip of flat land along the northern coast of Baffin Island. The coastline is very rocky. It has many deep, narrow inlets called fjords. These fjords were carved out by huge glaciers long ago, creating dramatic landscapes within the Baffin Mountains.
The Arctic Climate
The weather in the Baffin coastal tundra is very cold, typical of the Arctic. Summers are short and cool, with an average temperature of about 1°C (34°F). Winters are long and extremely cold, with temperatures dropping to an average of -22.5°C (-8.5°F).
Plants of the Tundra
The plants that grow here are tough and adapted to the cold. In drier spots, the plant cover is quite thin. But in wetter areas, you'll find a good amount of mosses and different types of sedges. There are also small shrubs like Arctic willow and colorful flowers such as purple saxifrage and Arctic poppy. Rushes also grow in these damp places.
Animals of the Baffin Coast
This coastal area is a busy place for wildlife, especially during the warmer months. It's an important breeding ground for the snow bunting, a small bird known for its white feathers. Many mammals also call this ecoregion home. You can find mighty polar bears, speedy Arctic hares, clever Arctic foxes, tiny lemmings, and herds of caribou.
Protecting This Special Place
The Baffin coastal tundra is still mostly untouched and natural. This means it's in very good condition, with most of its original habitats still intact. Even though there are no specific protected areas like national parks within this ecoregion, its remote location helps keep it safe from many human activities.
