Pichit Island facts for kids
 Pichit Island
Location in Nunavut
Pichit Island
Location in Canada
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Frobisher Bay |
| Coordinates | 63°34′35″N 68°05′45″W / 63.57639°N 68.09583°W |
| Archipelago | Canadian Arctic Archipelago |
| Administration | |
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Canada
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| Nunavut | Nunavut |
| Region | Qikiqtaaluk |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabited |
Pichit Island is a small piece of land in the far north of Canada. It's one of many islands in the Arctic that no one lives on. You can find it in the Qikiqtaaluk Region of Nunavut.
This island is found near Baffin Island in a large bay called Frobisher Bay. Pichit Island is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) south of Iqaluit. Iqaluit is the capital city of Nunavut. Pichit Island has neighbors! Other islands nearby include Crimmins Island, Frobisher's Farthest, Jenvey Island, Kudlago Island, and Sybil Island.
Where is Pichit Island?
Pichit Island is located in Frobisher Bay. This is a large inlet of the Labrador Sea in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. The bay is surrounded by Baffin Island, which is one of the largest islands in the world.
The island is part of Nunavut, Canada's newest and largest territory. Nunavut is known for its vast, icy landscapes and unique wildlife. It is home to many Inuit communities.
Arctic Environment
Pichit Island is in the Arctic, which means it has a very cold climate. Winters are long and dark, with temperatures often dropping far below freezing. The land is covered in snow and ice for much of the year.
Summers are short and cool. During this time, some of the snow and ice melts. This allows a type of land called tundra to appear. Tundra is a treeless plain where only small plants can grow.
What is Tundra?
Tundra is a special type of ecosystem. It has very cold temperatures and low rainfall. The ground beneath the surface often stays frozen all year. This frozen ground is called permafrost.
Because of the permafrost, large trees cannot grow. Instead, you'll find small shrubs, grasses, mosses, and lichens. These plants are tough and can survive in the harsh arctic conditions.
Wildlife Visitors
Even though no people live on Pichit Island, it can still be a home or a stopover for various animals. The Arctic is full of amazing wildlife that has adapted to the cold.
Birds are common visitors to arctic islands. Many seabirds, like gulls and terns, might use the island for resting or nesting during the summer months. They feed on fish from the surrounding waters.
Seals might also be seen in the waters around Pichit Island. They often rest on ice floes or rocky shores. These animals are important to the arctic ecosystem. They are also a traditional food source for the Inuit people.
