What Do I Need to Travel to the Tundra Biome?
Biomes are ecosystems, climatically and geographically similar major habitat areas defined by factors including plant structure and spacing and climate. Aquatic biomes are divided into freshwater and marine categories; terrestrial biomes tend to correlate with moisture availability and temperature. There are seven terrestrial biomes; desert, grassland, savanna, taiga, temperate deciduous forest, tropical rainforest and tundra. Traveling in any one requires considerable forethought and preparation.
The Tundra Biome
The tundra biome can be either arctic tundra, Antarctic tundra or alpine tundra. Arctic and Antarctic tundra are typified by long, dark and cold winters, and summer days that are light 24 hours a day. Winter low temperatures possibly reach minus 58 degrees Fahrenheit, and seldom get warmer than minus 18 degrees. Summer highs may reach 50. Alpine tundra is a less extreme environment, the winter average hovering around zero degrees and summers warming up to 50 degrees during the days. Annual precipitation is around 10 inches per year, almost invariably falling as snow. Although the upper layer of the soil may thaw in summer, permafrost -- soil that is permanently frozen -- can typically be found just inches below the surface.
Clothing for traveling in the tundra biome must reflect the adverse conditions. In summer, thick sweaters and heavy jeans would see campers through the nights, but in winter very technically advanced foul-weather gear is necessary. The U.S. Arctic Program (usap.gov) recommends thermal underwear, thermax socks, 100-weight pile garments for above and below the waist and poly-pro and pile gloves. USAP further advises dressing in layers comprising at least polypropylene underwear that wicks moisture away from the skin, an intermediate layer of polar fleece -- it advises "thickness is warmth" -- and a wind- and waterproof outer layer. Cold-weather clothing accessories should be organized that particularly protect the head, neck and extremities with just as many layers as the clothing for the trunk and limbs.
Obtain sturdy, functional equipment rather than shiny gear packaged in dramatic boxes. Carry a gas or propane stove, rather than expecting to be able to collect firewood; use a fire pan to prevent fire scars. A first-aid kit and the knowledge of how to use it is vital. Signaling devices -- smoke flares, mirrors and strobes -- or signal cloths and a ground-to-air radio are also suggested. Snow blindness can be agonizing and incapacitating, so polarized sunglasses are a must. Carry food sufficient for survival through the worst possible scenario; if your vehicle were to break down, consider how long -- at the outside -- rescue could take to arrive, then pack for that eventuality. Food and heating materials must all be available in sufficient quantities to survive a disaster. Avoid strong-smelling foods -- they can attract predatory animals and bears -- and always cook at a distance from your camp.
In the summer, it is entirely possible to drive into the North American tundra in a regular four-wheel-drive car. The highway that runs parallel to the trans-Alaska pipeline, from Valdez north at least as far as Barrow, is well-maintained and sees a fair amount of traffic. In the winter, or for off-road travel, specialist vehicles designed to protect the traveler as well as negotiate the conditions are essential.
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