Kylmänmannerilmasto

Kylmänmannerilmasto, known in English as polar climate, is characterized by extremely cold temperatures and limited precipitation. This climate zone is found in the polar regions of the Earth, primarily the Arctic and Antarctic. Temperatures are consistently below freezing for most of the year, with very short and cool summers. Precipitation is typically low, often falling as snow, and the landscapes are dominated by ice sheets, glaciers, and permafrost.

There are two main subtypes of polar climate: tundra (ET in the Köppen climate classification) and ice cap (EF). Tundra climates experience a brief summer where temperatures can rise above freezing, allowing for some low-lying vegetation like mosses and lichens to grow. Ice cap climates, found in the most extreme polar regions, remain below freezing even during the summer months, with no vegetation possible.

The lack of significant precipitation in these regions makes them a form of cold desert. Despite the frozen state, these areas play a crucial role in global climate regulation due to the vast amounts of ice and snow that reflect solar radiation back into space. Wildlife in these climates is adapted to survive harsh conditions, often with thick fur or blubber. Human habitation is sparse and primarily concentrated in research stations or indigenous communities with specialized survival strategies.