ОТВЕТИТЬ НА ВОПРОСЫ ПО ТЕКСТУ:
1. Why is the arctic desert so unusual?
2. Are there many plants and flowers? Do people live there?
3. How do you understand “precipitation per year”?
4. Where is the arctic desert located?
5. What is the weather like in warmest months?


THE ARCTIC DESERT

We associate deserts with hot, dry climates, so it's surprising to learn that they exist in the Arctic, where snow and ice are abundant. Looks can be deceiving, though; in Russia's Arctic desert, for instance, precipitation per year is less than 20 centimetres and plant life is almost nonexistent. In addition to that, darkness rules the land for around nine months out of the year. This peculiar desert resides on Russia's northern most islands, which are anywhere from 100 to 800 kilometres from the mainland. Not much goes on up there, aside from a few polar bears trying to subsist in the harsh climate. Most of what little plant life that does exist only grows a few centimeters tall. Temperatures remain below 10 degrees Celsius during even the warmest months, and naturally, no human beings make their home in this region.

Why is the arctic desert so unusual?
The Arctic desert is unusual because deserts are usually associated with hot and dry climates, but the Arctic desert is a cold desert covered with snow and ice. It has very little precipitation and almost no plant life. Also, it is dark there for about nine months of the year.

Are there many plants and flowers? Do people live there?
No, there are not many plants and flowers in the Arctic desert. Plant life is almost nonexistent, and the few plants that grow there are only a few centimeters tall. People do not live there because of the very harsh climate.

How do you understand “precipitation per year”?
“Precipitation per year” means the total amount of rain, snow, or other forms of water that fall from the sky during one year. In the Arctic desert, it is less than 20 centimetres per year.

Where is the Arctic desert located?
The Arctic desert is located on Russia’s northernmost islands. These islands are between 100 and 800 kilometres away from the mainland.

What is the weather like in warmest months?
Even during the warmest months, the temperature in the Arctic desert stays below 10 degrees Celsius. The weather is cold and harsh.