Visit Reykjavik, Iceland
Biome
The capital of Iceland is a tundra. A tundra biome is one with cold temperatures, Low biotic diversity, short seasons of growth and reproduction, and extremely cold weather. The weather stays cold to the point were there is a layer of permanently frozen snow called permafrost. However, during the mid-winter temperatures only get as cold as that of New York during the same time. Average rainfall in Iceland per year is about 320 mm, which is significantly less that Wake Forest's average which is about 1,183 mm per year. When it comes to the plants, the roots don't go that deep, making it difficult for large plants to grow. Thus, only small trees, grasses, and shrubs are the only plants that can survive.
Animals you might see here
The capital of Iceland is a tundra. A tundra biome is one with cold temperatures, Low biotic diversity, short seasons of growth and reproduction, and extremely cold weather. The weather stays cold to the point were there is a layer of permanently frozen snow called permafrost. However, during the mid-winter temperatures only get as cold as that of New York during the same time. Average rainfall in Iceland per year is about 320 mm, which is significantly less that Wake Forest's average which is about 1,183 mm per year. When it comes to the plants, the roots don't go that deep, making it difficult for large plants to grow. Thus, only small trees, grasses, and shrubs are the only plants that can survive.
Animals you might see here
Plants you might see
Nonnative Species
Indicator Species
Keystone Species
Abiotic Factors
Icelandic weather is, at best, unpredictable, with bright, sunny days reverting to cold and wet conditions within a matter of hours. In Iceland, rainfall is fairly consistent throughout the year, but due to the temperatures plummeting in winter, it often falls as snow from September to May. The wettest parts are the south and west coasts. However, the north and east enjoy generally drier but colder conditions in winter. Areas with geothermal activity are often warmer than surrounding areas. Plus, due to the amount of lakes in Iceland, they have plenty of drinking water. In addition, Iceland has plateaus, mountain peaks, and ice fields.
Culture
Icelanders enjoy a sophisticated European culture based on age-old traditions. This mixture of ancient ways with new trends is part of what makes Iceland so unique. By nature, Icelanders follow a “live and let live” mentality, which means they're pretty laid back and very open-minded. The unpredictable weather also keeps them highly flexible. They love the outdoors and like to have fun in every season. Plus, as an island nation that was isolated for much of its history, Iceland evolved on its own. To this day, Icelanders still make their own food from fresh ingredients, design their own clothes, write their own books, make their own music, and perform their own plays.
Changes to the area
Biotic
- The annual percentage for population growth in Iceland was last reported at about 0.6% in 2012.
- The puffin population in Iceland has fallen so dramatically over recent years that the species will likely be put on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) watch list.
- In recent years, Precipitation and temperature have risen in Iceland.
- Extremely active soil erosion has begun to cause desertification in Iceland.
Bibliography
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"Fresh Water Resources Iceland." Fresh Water Resources. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2013.
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"Iceland Species." N.p., n.d. Web.
"Iceland Terrain." - Geography. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2013.
"Iceland." Weather in. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2013.
"Icelandic Puffins in Worrying Decline | IceNews - Daily News." IceNews. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2013.
"Icelandic Sheep Breeders of North America." Icelandic Sheep Breeders of North America. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2013.
"Icelandic Sheepdog Information and Pictures, Iceland Sheepdog." Icelandic Sheepdog Information and Pictures, Iceland Sheepdog. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2013.
"Montana Field Guide." Fleshy Stitchwort -. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2013.
"Natural HerbsCommon Spike-RushEleocharis Palustris." Medicinal Herbs: COMMON SPIKE-RUSH. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2013.
"Population Growth (annual %) in Iceland." Population Growth (annual %) in Iceland. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2013.
"Puffins on Thomasoneil.com." Puffins on Thomasoneil.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2013.
"Reykjavik Climate and Weather." Reykjavik Climate and Weather. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2013.
"Reykjavik Weather, Iceland Weather Averages." Reykjavik, Iceland Weather Averages. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2013.
"Taxon - Image." BioLib. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2013.
"The Tundra Biome." The Tundra Biome. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2013.
"Whales in Iceland." N.p., n.d. Web.
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Works Cited
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