Climate, Arctic and Subarctic

The earth's arctic and subarctic climates are located over the highest latitudes of the globe, typically poleward of 50 degrees latitude. Because these climates are located at high latitudes, they are mostly driven by a dramatic seasonal shift of incoming solar radiation. The summer season consists of long daylight hours, while the winter season has long nighttime hours. Locations poleward of 70 degrees have 24 hours of daylight during their respective summers and 24 hours of night during the winter.

Subarctic climates are largely continental and unique to the northern hemisphere, due to the existence of large land masses between 50–70 degrees. Most of Canada and the interior regions of Siberia have subarctic climates, which can be distinguished by the presence of extensive coniferous forests with ...