Introduction

The terms ‘arctic’ and ‘alpine’ have been used repeatedly to describe physical and biological environments and their flora and fauna, as well as geographical regions. Extensive areas of the Arctic in North America and northern Asia are formed by the low-lying treeless plains of the tundra which range from wet meadow to dry heath and rocky fellfields. Productivity studies at arctic and alpine tundra sites indicate that temperature is the primary limiting factor and that net primary production is in the same range as that of deserts. ‘Arctic’ is derived from the Greek word Arktos. The Arctic Circle forms the southern boundary of the Arctic in an astronomical and cartographic context, but this criterion bears little relationship to climatic or other parameters. Another geographical indicator of arctic conditions is the occurrence of permafrost. Qualification is necessary over the usage of the term High Arctic.