What would happen if the temperature of the tundra increased by 20*F? The exact degree doesn't matter so if you answer my question but with like 10 degrees or 50 or something please tell me. Oh and please don't just list a site that would help me. I need the answer and I've checked lots of sites so I just need it in your words. Like the carbon dioxide levels will increase and the food chain will become all distorted and the humans would die. Please help me.

Considering the tundra in the polar region, it is cold year-round. Scientists are worried about the warming because if the layer of permafrost (ice that never goes away) melts, the soil will decompose, releasing carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. Because the tundra is flat, there will be bogs and shallow lakes that won't drain. If you see some photos, you can see green grass, especially in the inland regions and it has been known to warm to 60, even 90 degrees in some areas.

The ecosystem will change, although they aren't exactly sure about the ultimate effect. There are marvelous photos from the Toolik Field Station in northern Alaska.

My grandfather came from north of the Arctic Circle where people have adapted to the climate. I always thought I'd like to visit the Ice Palace, but you'd need to go there by dog sled!

Sra

If the temperature of the tundra, which is a cold biome characterized by permanently frozen soil, were to increase by 20°F (or any significant amount), several effects would be expected:

1. Melting Permafrost: Permafrost refers to the layer of frozen soil found in the tundra. With a temperature increase, the permafrost would start to thaw, leading to significant changes in the landscape. Thawing permafrost can lead to the sinking or instability of the land, damaging infrastructure such as roads and buildings.

2. Changes in Vegetation: Tundra vegetation is adapted to survive in harsh cold conditions. Warmer temperatures would trigger changes in the types of plants that can survive in the region. Shrubs and trees may encroach on the tundra, displacing and potentially outcompeting the native plant species. This could disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem and impact the food chain.

3. Altered Wildlife Habitat: The tundra is home to a variety of animals, including mammals like muskoxen, caribou, and polar bears. A warmer tundra would lead to changes in their habitat, as the availability of food and shelter may be affected. Some species may struggle to adapt, potentially leading to population decline or the need to migrate to more suitable environments.

4. Carbon Release: Permafrost acts as a large carbon sink, holding vast amounts of organic matter in a frozen state. As the permafrost thaws, the organic matter decomposes, releasing carbon dioxide and methane, both potent greenhouse gases. This release could contribute to further global warming, creating a feedback loop.

5. Impacts on Indigenous Communities: The tundra is home to several indigenous communities who rely on the land for their traditional way of life. A warmer tundra could disrupt their hunting and fishing practices, affecting their cultural and economic well-being.

It's important to note that the specific outcomes of a temperature increase may vary depending on the exact degree of warming, as well as the rate and duration of the change. These impacts are based on scientific understanding, and further research is continually being conducted to better understand the consequences of climate change on the tundra biome.