Alaska's Climate and Impacts on Ecosystems, Permafrost, and Natives

Alaska- Its Climate and Impacts
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Alaska
Climate and its Impacts
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Alaska- Its Climate and Impacts
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Contents
Alaska..........................................................................................................................................................3
The climate of Alaska...................................................................................................................................3
Climate changes in Alaska...........................................................................................................................3
Climate Impacts...........................................................................................................................................4
Change in Ecosystems.............................................................................................................................4
Permafrost...............................................................................................................................................5
Alaska natives..........................................................................................................................................5
Oceans and Coasts...................................................................................................................................6
Conclusion...................................................................................................................................................6

Alaska- Its Climate and Impacts
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Alaska
Alaska is a state in the United States located in the North West extreme of North America. On
the eastern side, it is bordered by the Canadian Administrative borders; the western part is
bordered by Attu Island or the Aleutian Islands. It also makes a maritime border with Russia
across the Bering Strait. On the northern side are the Chukchi and Beaufort sea- which is the
southernmost part of the Arctic Ocean. The Pacific Ocean lies to the south and south-west. In the
area, it is the largest state in the United States and seventh subnational division in the world. It is
most sparsely populated among 50 states of the US. It is also the most populous territory of
North America. Alaska was purchased from the Russian empire in March 1867 for 7.2 US
million dollars. It had undergone many administrative changes before it was declared a territory.
Tourism is a major part of its economy.
Climate of Alaska
The climate of Alaska is oceanic. On an annual record, Southeast Alaska is the wettest and the
warmest with higher precipitation throughout the year. Areas like Juneau and Ketchikan observe
a daytime temperature which is beyond freezing in the winter months. Interior climate of Alaska
is subarctic. Temperature and climate of western Alaska are determined by the Bering Sea and
the Gulf of Alaska. This region observes the maximum amount of precipitation. Highest and
lowest temperatures in Alaska are mostly felt near Fairbanks. The lowest temperature in Alaska
is recorded to be -62 degrees near Prospect Creek. Alaska experiences very long and cool winters
and very short cool summers. In July, the average temperature is recorded to be -1 degree. Snow
covers the ground for the most part of the year 1.
Climate changes in Alaska
The environmental protection agency in 2016, has reported that over the few years, Alaska has
gone up to almost 3 degrees in summer and 6 degrees in winter. This unusual increase in
temperature has led the Arctic sea ice to retreat. The seashores have started eroding, and the
glaciers have started shrinking. It is also noted that insect outbreaks and wildfires have become
very common in this area. If the temperature accelerates at this speed, the region of Alaska will
have to face infrastructure damage, with a major loss to the fishing industry. The conifers of the
temperate rainforest survive in a moist climate and are beyond the access of fire. If the
1 Littell, Jeremy S. 2018. "Drought And Fire In The Western USA: Is Climate Attribution Enough?". Current
Climate Change Reports 4 (4): 396-406. doi:10.1007/s40641-018-0109-y.