jäätikköilmasto

Jäätikköilmasto, also known as an ice cap climate, is a climate characterized by extremely cold temperatures year-round. This climate type is found in polar regions, primarily over the ice sheets of Antarctica and Greenland, as well as at high altitudes on some mountain ranges. The defining feature of a jäätikköilmasto is the presence of permanent ice and snow cover.

Temperatures in jäätikköilmasto regions remain well below freezing for most of the year. Average annual temperatures are typically below -10°C (14°F), and can drop significantly lower, especially in the interior of ice sheets. Summers are very short and cool, with temperatures rarely rising above freezing, and even then, only for brief periods. Precipitation is generally very low, often falling in the form of snow. Despite the low precipitation, the accumulation of snow over thousands of years has formed massive ice sheets.

The vegetation in areas with an ice cap climate is virtually non-existent due to the extreme cold and lack of unfrozen soil. The landscape is dominated by ice and snow. Wildlife is adapted to these harsh conditions and is typically found along the coasts or in areas where some ice-free land or open water exists. Examples include penguins, seals, and polar bears in the Arctic. The lack of liquid water and the constant freezing temperatures make human habitation extremely challenging, with only scientific research stations being permanently occupied.