lesson 1 section3

Arctic Cultural Region

• Extends through northernmost Canada and Alaska, primarily characterized by tundra climate.
• Tundra experiences cold temperatures, lack of trees, and harsh winter conditions with frequent snowstorms.
• Summer temperatures remain cool, with continuous daylight allowing brightness even at night.

Food Sources and Survival

• Extreme conditions make food sourcing challenging; few plants can thrive in frozen tundra soil.
• Most of the tundra remains covered with a thick layer of permafrost, inhibiting plant survival.
• Limited edible vegetation leads to reliance on animal sources; caribou and other wildlife are vital.
• Seasonal migration patterns exist, with summer hunts for caribou and winter hunts for marine mammals and fish along the Arctic coast.

Settlement Patterns

• Some Arctic inhabitants established permanent coastal settlements, but many opted for a migratory lifestyle to follow food sources.
• Shelter needs varied based on seasonal movement and available resources.
• Movable tents made from animal skins were constructed for summer use, allowing easy relocation with caribou herds.
• In winter, options were limited due to tree scarcity; temporary shelters, known as iglus, were made from snow blocks or partly underground structures of stone or soil.
• Iglus provided warmth during the severe winter climate.