Synopsis:

The spatial scale of the Alaskan Tundra globally is a great concern to the sea level rising in parts of Alaska. There are a few reasons why the ecosystem in Alaska serves to be important resources to indigenous people, for instance, the biodiversity, high productivity and also the abundance of migrant bird populations. The sea level is currently estimated to have risen to be about 2 mm per year over the last 100 years, which could lead to the melting of glaciers and ice caps. Sea level rising at this rate could lead to many risks to the coastal ecosystems because of their low elevations. The average temperature here is 5 celsius but during the winter is never above freezing.

http://www.windows2universe.org/earth/images/tundra_map_big_jpg_image.html

History:

The name Tundra is derived from the word “tunturia” which means “treeless plain” in the Finnish language. Unlike most environments that yield abundant trees and diverse plants, the Alaskan Tundra is defined by it short grass floor. Another feature that affects the vegetation in the Alaskan Tundra is the permafrost layer frozen beneath the surface of the ground.  The Alaskan Tundra is so unique because it is at the intersection of the taiga and ice caps biomes. That is, it is not quite icy enough to prevent vegetation all together, but still not warm enough to produce rich greenery.

Today:

Overview(benefits, impact and status):

Some of the benefits that people get from the ecosystem are that they can get the freshest supply of food from the sun. For instance, The Alaskan Tundra is a biome, where plants and animals can live in a community where the climate conditions are suitable. In biomes there are producers, consumers, herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, and also decomposers. The flow of energy through the sun can illustrate into a food chain.

About 88% of the state is in public ownership and many areas are set aside to protect their natural features including a wide variety of fish and wildlife habitats. These protected areas vary in their specific purposes and include state wildlife refuges, sanctuaries, and critical habitat areas, and waters important to anatropous fish; as well as other areas such as state parks; and national wildlife refuges, parks, and preserves. The land of Alaska contains about 365 million acres, and about 28.8 million acres of water lakes, rivers and ponds. Most of the protected land that is in Alaska provides for a lot of hunting and fishing and many other resources to help keep people and the economy alive.

Human Impact:

Historically, humans have over hunted mammals, but recently they have passed stricter hunting laws, which has allow mammal population to increase once again.  Also, hunting reindeer in moderation have provided food and coats to the local population with minimal impact on their population.

Conservation Status:

Good

Occasionally, mineral resources, such as fossil fuel and mineral rocks, have appear in the tundra. However, difficulties of searching, mining and transportation have held back development of these resources until modern times. So overall, the conservation status is good but this can change in the future, as climate change increases its effects on tundra.

Totaling over 3.2 million acres, the Alaska State Legislature has designated 32 state game refuges, critical habitat areas, and wildlife sanctuaries across the state. These areas were created to protect rich fish and wildlife habitats, and retain outstanding fish and wildlife. Most recreational activities do not require a permit, but any land or water use activity, or activities that may impact fish, wildlife, habitats, or existing public uses must have to require a Special Area Permit.