Polar Climate

A polar climate is a place where the climate usually has a temperature below freezing, is icy, and is covered with snow most of the time. This is because polar climates don't get direct sunlight like other parts of Dierde. Polar climates are usually dry and don't get much rain. The polar climate regions are characterized by a lack of warm summers but with varying winters. Every month a polar climate has an average temperature of less than 10 °C (50 °F). Regions with a polar climate cover more than 20% of the Earth's area. Most of these regions are far from the equator and near the poles, and in this case, winter days are extremely short and summer days are extremely long (could last for the entirety of each season or longer). A polar climate consists of cool summers and very cold winters (or, in the case of ice cap climates, no real summer at all), which results in treeless Tundra, glaciers, or a permanent or semi-permanent layer of ice.

Locations

On Dierde, the main continents where the ice cap polar climate is predominant are Hweíla and HweílaDot. Summits of many high mountains also have ice cap climate due to their high elevation. Coastal regions of Northern Lands that do not have permanent ice sheets have the less extreme Tundra climates.

Hweíla & Heínyaolrá

Some parts of Hweíla are covered by ice (sea ice, glacial ice, or snow) year-round, especially at the most poleward parts; and nearly all parts of Hweílac experience long periods with some form of ice or snow on the surface. Average Frostmonth temperatures range from about −40 to 0 °C (−40 to 32 °F), and winter temperatures can drop below −50 °C (−58 °F) over large parts of Hweíla. Average Firemonth temperatures range from about −10 to 10 °C (14 to 50 °F), with some land areas occasionally exceeding 30 °C (86 °F) in summer. Hweíla consists of ocean that is almost surrounded by landmasses like Hyulla-Putyor, Towekind, and of course Fromdaolrá and all landmasses connected to it. As such, the climate of much of Hweíla is moderated by the ocean water, which can never have a temperature below −2 °C (28 °F). In winter, this relatively warm water, even though covered by the polar ice pack, keeps the North Pole from being the coldest place in the Northern Hemisphere, and it is also part of the reason that HweílaDot is so much colder than the Arctic. In summer, the presence of the nearby water keeps coastal areas from warming as much as they might otherwise, just as it does in temperate regions with maritime climates. Heínyaolrá is one northern continent with some trade channels, but very rare. They have a unique history, that is not very well known.

HweílaDot

The climate of HweílaDot is the coldest on Dierde. HweílaDot has the lowest naturally occurring temperature ever recorded: −89.2 °C (−128.6 °F). It is also extremely dry (technically a Desert, or so called polar desert), averaging 166 millimetres (6.5 in) of precipitation per year, as weather fronts rarely penetrate far into the continent.

Mountains

Summits of most mountains also have polar climates, despite being in lower latitudes, due to their high elevations.

Geography

The terrain is a vast, flat plain stretching as far as the eye can see. It's a land dominated by permafrost, where the ground is permanently frozen. Rolling hills are absent in this icy expanse. Freshwater is a precious commodity in this frigid environment. While there are no rivers to speak of, the land is dotted with countless glacial lakes. These bodies of water are often covered in a thick layer of ice for most of the year, but during the brief summer months, they provide a vital source of life for the region's wildlife. The plain is situated at the edge of a frozen ocean, where towering icebergs drift past. The coastline is rugged and irregular, with cliffs and fjords cutting into the land. The beauty of the polar tundra is a stark and haunting one. In the summer months, the land explodes with color as wildflowers bloom, creating a vibrant contrast against the white landscape. The endless expanse of sky, often painted with hues of pink and orange during the long days of summer, is a breathtaking sight. In winter, the land is cloaked in a pristine blanket of snow, creating a world of silence and solitude. The aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, frequently dances across the night sky, casting an ethereal glow over the frozen landscape.

Ice and Snow Formations

Ice Caps and Glaciers: Massive sheets of ice covering vast areas, often several kilometers thick.
Icebergs: Large chunks of ice broken off from glaciers or ice shelves.
Sea Ice: Frozen seawater floating on the ocean's surface.
Snowfields: Extensive areas covered by snow.

Landforms

Tundra: A vast, flat, treeless region with permafrost beneath the surface.
Fjords: Long, narrow inlets of the sea with steep cliffs on either side.
Mountains: Often covered in ice and snow, with sharp peaks and valleys.
Ice Shelves: Large, floating platforms of ice attached to a landmass.

Coastal Features

Peninsulas: Large land masses surrounded by water on three sides.
Islands: Smaller land masses surrounded by water.
Archipelagos: Groups of islands.

Other Notable Features

Permafrost: Permanently frozen ground.
Polar Deserts: Areas with extremely low precipitation.
Ice Cores: Cylindrical samples of ice drilled from glaciers or ice caps.

Subtypes

There are two types of polar climate: ET, or tundra climate; and EF, or ice cap climate. A tundra climate is characterized by having at least one month whose average temperature is above 0 °C (32 °F), while an ice cap climate has no months averaging above 0 °C (32 °F). In a tundra climate, even coniferous trees cannot grow, but other specialized plants can grow. In an ice cap climate, no plants can grow, and ice gradually accumulates until it flows or slides elsewhere. Many high altitude locations on Dierde have a climate where no month has an average temperature of 10 °C (50 °F) or higher, but as this is due to elevation, this climate is referred to as Alpine climate. Alpine climate can mimic either tundra or ice cap climate.

Ecosystem

The climate region is primarily composed of tundra, a vast, treeless plain covered in snow for most of the year. Despite the harsh conditions, a delicate balance of life exists here.

Ecosystem Cycles

The polar climate experiences dramatic seasonal changes, with a short, cool summer and a long, harsh winter. These variations significantly impact the ecosystem and the organisms that inhabit it.

Summer

Increased sunlight: Longer daylight hours provide more opportunities for plant growth and photosynthesis. Warmer temperatures: While still cold, the slight rise in temperature allows snow and ice to melt, creating temporary pools of water. Abundant food sources: The melting ice and increased plant growth lead to a surge in available food for herbivores.

Adaptation strategies:

Plants: Experience rapid growth, flower, and reproduce during the short summer. Many plants are low-lying and have short growing seasons to take advantage of the limited warmth.
Herbivores: Increase their activity levels to graze and build up fat reserves for the coming winter. Some may raise young during this time.
Carnivores: Focus their hunting efforts on herbivores that are more abundant during the summer months.

Winter

Decreased sunlight: Days become very short, with long periods of darkness.
Extreme cold: Temperatures plummet, making survival a challenge for many organisms.
Scarce food sources: Plants become dormant, and much of the food supply is buried under snow and ice.

Adaptation strategies:

Plants: Enter a dormant state, conserving energy until the return of spring.
Herbivores: Some migrate to areas with more food availability, while others conserve energy by entering a state of torpor (reduced body temperature and activity).
Carnivores: May rely on stored fat reserves or scavenge for food during the winter. Some may also follow migrating herbivores to find prey.

Season	Sunlight	Temperature	Food Source	Adaptation Strategies (Plants)	Adaptation Strategies (Herbivores)	Adaptation Strategies (Carnivores)
Summer	Increased	Warmer	Abundant	Experience rapid growth, flower, and reproduce	Increase activity levels to graze and build up fat reserves for the coming winter. Some may raise young during this time.	Focus their hunting efforts on herbivores that are more abundant during the summer months.
Winter	Decreased	Extreme cold	Scarce	Enter a dormant state, conserving energy until the return of spring.	Some migrate to areas with more food availability, while others conserve energy by entering a state of torpor (reduced body temperature and activity).	May rely on stored fat reserves or scavenge for food during the winter. Some may also follow migrating herbivores to find prey.

Localized Phenomena

Polar regions are renowned for their extreme conditions, but they also host a variety of unique phenomena. The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) and Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) are perhaps the most famous, caused by the interaction of solar particles with the Earth's atmosphere. Other natural occurrences include the Polar Vortex, a large area of cold air, and the dramatic shifts in daylight known as the Midnight Sun and Polar Night. The frigid temperatures often lead to severe weather conditions like blizzards and pose health risks such as frostbite and hypothermia. The immense ice sheets can also create unique geographical features, like crevasses, and natural events like icequakes.

Climate

Polar climates are characterized by extremely cold temperatures and harsh conditions. These regions are located near the Earth's poles and experience long, dark winters and short, cool summers. Key Characteristics of Polar Climates:

Temperature: Consistently low temperatures, often well below freezing. Summers are short and cool, while winters are long and bitterly cold.
Precipitation: Low precipitation, primarily in the form of snow. Some polar regions receive very little precipitation and can be considered deserts.
Sunlight: Extreme variations in Daylight hours. Winters have almost constant Darkness, while summers experience nearly constant Daylight.
Wind: Strong, often gusty winds contribute to the harsh conditions.
Permafrost: The ground is permanently frozen in many areas, affecting vegetation and soil conditions.
Landscape: Dominated by ice, snow, tundra, and rocky terrain.

In summary, polar climates are inhospitable environments with extreme cold, low precipitation, and limited vegetation. They offer unique challenges for life, but also support a fascinating array of adapted Plants and Animals.

Fauna & Flora

Flora:

Arctic Plants are short and slow-growing, adapted to survive in nutrient-poor soil and freezing temperatures. Common Plants include lichens, mosses, grasses, and Dwarf shrubs. Some other Plants found in this climate and Arctic Terrain includes:

Allathorne (Common)
Arctic Creeper (Common)
Ardulan (Uncommon)
Avataer (Very Rare)
Basilisk Breath (Very Rare)
Bija Tree (Rare)
Birthnot (Very Common)
Bishop's Weed (Uncommon)
Bittermourn (Legendary)
Blueleaf (Very Common)
Brelidar (Uncommon)
Ceran (Very Common)
Coldwood (Common)
Covadish (Very Rare)
Darkwood (Very Rare)
Dragon's Breath (Common)
Eldaas (Very Common)
Fennel Silk (Common)
Footleaf (Uncommon)
Gefnul (Legendary)
Goldencup (Rare)
Grendar (Very Common)
Halcyon Crocus (Legendary)
Hare's Ear (Very Common)
Hoggle Beans (Very Common)
Ice Lotus (Rare)
Iceflower (Uncommon)
Jojopojo (Uncommon)
Kanishta (Uncommon)
Kathkusa (Very Rare)
Klagul (Legendary)
Obaddis Leaf (Rare)
Quivar (Rare)
Rouddan (Rare)
Salamander Orchids (Rare)
Scented Mayweed (Common)
Snowflake Lichen (Uncommon)
Snowwood (Uncommon)
Stonestream (Very Rare)
Thalsen Weed (Very Common)
Thir (Very Common)
Thistledown (Very Rare)
Zulsendra (Very Rare)

Fauna:

The Arctic is home to iconic animals like polar bears, arctic foxes, reindeer, and musk oxen. Marine life is also abundant, including seals, whales, and a variety of fish. The oceans in this climate supports a rich ecosystem beneath the ice, with plankton forming the base of the food chain.

Fauna

Abominable Yeti ( Monstrosity ; Arctic )
Adult White Dragon ( Dragon ; Arctic )
Ancient White Dragon ( Dragon ; Arctic )
Bandit ( Humanoid (Any Race) ; Arctic, Coastal, Desert, Forest, Hill, Urban )
Bandit Captain ( Humanoid (Any Race) ; Arctic, Coastal, Desert, Forest, Hill, Urban )
Bearfolk ( Humanoid (Bearfolk) ; Arctic, Forest, Hill, Mountain, Urban )
Beli ( Fey ; Arctic )
Berserker ( Humanoid (Any Race) ; Arctic, Coastal, Desert, Forest, Hill, Mountain )
Bheur Hag ( Fey ; Arctic )
Blood Hawk ( Beast ; Arctic, Coastal, Forest, Grassland, Hill, Mountain )
Boneclaw ( Undead ; Arctic, Desert, Urban )
Brown Bear ( Beast ; Arctic, Forest, Hill )
Cold Snap Spirit ( Elemental ; Arctic, Forest, Mountain )
Commoner ( Humanoid (Any Race) ; Arctic, Coastal, Desert, Forest, Grassland, Hill, Urban )
Dire Troll ( Giant ; Arctic, Forest, Hill, Mountain, Underdark )
Druid ( Humanoid (Any Race) ; Arctic, Coastal, Desert, Forest, Grassland, Hill, Mountain, Swamp, Underdark )
Dwarven Ringmage ( Humanoid (Dwarf) ; Arctic, Urban )
Elder Tempest ( Elemental ; Arctic, Coastal, Grassland, Hill, Mountain )
Fraughashar ( Fey ; Arctic )
Frost Giant ( Giant ; Arctic, Mountain )
Frost Salamander ( Elemental ; Arctic )
Frostveil ( Plant ; Arctic )
Giant Owl ( Beast ; Arctic, Forest, Hill )
Glacier Bulette ( Monstrosity ; Arctic, Everglacier )
Gnoll Flesh Gnawer ( Monstrosity ; Arctic, Forest, Grassland, Hill )
Gnoll Hunter ( Monstrosity ; Arctic, Forest, Grassland, Hill )
Gnoll Witherling ( Undead ; Arctic, Forest, Grassland, Hill )
Griffon ( Monstrosity ; Arctic, Coastal, Grassland, Hill, Mountain )
Guard Drake ( Dragon ; Arctic, Desert, Forest, Mountain, Swamp, Underdark, Urban )
Half-Ogre (Ogrillon) ( Giant ; Arctic, Desert, Forest, Hill, Mountain, Underdark, Urban )
Ice Gargoyle ( Elemental ; Arctic, Everglacier )
Ice Maiden ( Fey ; Arctic )
Ice Mephit ( Elemental ; Arctic )
Jotun ( Giant ; Arctic )
Kobold ( Humanoid (Kobold) ; Arctic, Coastal, Desert, Forest, Hill, Mountain, Swamp, Underdark, Urban )
Krake Spawn ( Monstrosity ; Arctic, Underwater )
Lindwurm ( Dragon ; Arctic, Underwater )
Lost Sorrowsworn ( Monstrosity ; Arctic, Desert, Forest, Mountain, Swamp, Underdark, Urban )
Mahoru ( Monstrosity ; Arctic, Coastal, Underwater )
Mallqui ( Undead ; Arctic, Mountain )
Mammoth ( Beast ; Arctic )
Manticore ( Monstrosity ; Arctic, Coastal, Grassland, Hill, Mountain )
Nightgarm ( Monstrosity ; Arctic, Forest )
Nightwalker ( Undead ; Arctic, Desert, Swamp, Underdark )
Ogre ( Giant ; Arctic, Coastal, Desert, Forest, Grassland, Hill, Mountain, Swamp, Underdark )
Orc ( Humanoid (Orc) ; Arctic, Forest, Grassland, Hill, Mountain, Swamp, Underdark )
Orc Eye of Gruumsh ( Humanoid (Orc) ; Arctic, Forest, Grassland, Hill, Mountain, Swamp, Underdark )
Orc War Chief ( Humanoid (Orc) ; Arctic, Forest, Grassland, Hill, Mountain, Swamp, Underdark )
Orog ( Humanoid (Orc) ; Arctic, Forest, Grassland, Hill, Mountain, Underdark )
Owl ( Beast ; Arctic, Forest )
Polar Bear ( Beast ; Arctic, Underdark )
Ravenfolk Doom Croaker ( Humanoid (Ravenfolk) ; Any, Arctic )
Ravenfolk Scout ( Humanoid (Ravenfolk) ; Any, Arctic )
Ravenfolk Warrior ( Humanoid (Ravenfolk) ; Any, Arctic )
Remorhaz ( Monstrosity ; Arctic )
Revenant ( Undead ; Arctic, Desert, Forest, Hill, Swamp, Urban )
Rime Worm ( Elemental ; Arctic )
Rime Worm Grub ( Elemental ; Arctic )
Roc ( Monstrosity ; Arctic, Coastal, Desert, Hill, Mountain )
Saber-Toothed Tiger ( Beast ; Arctic, Mountain )
Scout ( Humanoid (Any Race) ; Arctic, Coastal, Desert, Forest, Grassland, Hill, Mountain, Swamp, Underdark )
Son of Fenris ( Monstrosity ; Arctic )
Stuhac ( Fiend ; Arctic, Mountain )
Swarm of Wolf Spirits ( swarm of Medium Undead ; Arctic )
Thuellai ( Elemental ; Arctic )
Thursir ( Giant ; Arctic, Mountain, Underdark )
Tribal Warrior ( Humanoid (Any Race) ; Arctic, Coastal, Desert, Forest, Grassland, Hill, Mountain, Swamp, Underdark )
Troll ( Giant ; Arctic, Forest, Hill, Mountain, Swamp, Underdark )
Vampiric Mist ( Undead ; Arctic, Coastal, Forest, Grassland, Mountain, Swamp, Underdark, Urban )
Veteran ( Humanoid (Any Race) ; Arctic, Coastal, Forest, Grassland, Hill, Mountain, Underdark, Urban )
Warlock of the Archfey ( Humanoid ; Arctic, Forest, Mountain, Swamp, Urban )
Warlock of the Fiend ( Humanoid ; Arctic, Desert, Underdark, Urban )
Warlock of the Great Old One ( Humanoid ; Arctic, Hill, Mountain, Underdark, Urban )
Werebear ( Humanoid (Human, Shapechanger) ; Arctic, Forest, Hill )
Weremammoth ( Humanoid (Any Race, Shapechanger) ; Arctic, Everglacier )
White Wraith ( Undead ; Arctic, Everglacier )
Winged Kobold ( Humanoid (Kobold) ; Arctic, Coastal, Desert, Forest, Hill, Mountain, Swamp, Underdark, Urban )
Winter Eladrin ( Fey (Elf) ; Arctic, Forest )
Winter Wolf ( Monstrosity ; Arctic )
Wolf Reaver Dwarf ( Humanoid (Dwarf) ; Arctic, Urban )
Yeti ( Monstrosity ; Arctic )
Young Remorhaz ( Monstrosity ; Arctic )
Young White Dragon ( Dragon ; Arctic )

Polar Climate Fauna

Ice Mephit

Ice Spider

Ogre

Troll

Any Climate Fauna

Adult Dragon

Behir

Crystal FlameSkull

Dragon

Flameskull

Ghost

Ghoul

Human

Mind flayer

Purple Worm

Rat

Undead Bulette

Young Dragon

Natural Resources

Polar regions, while inhospitable, are rich in natural resources. However, their extraction often presents significant challenges due to the extreme climate.

Mineral Resources

Beneath the ice and snow, polar regions harbor substantial mineral deposits. These include valuable metals such as Copper, nickel, zinc, and Gold, as well as precious stones like diamonds. Additionally, there are significant reserves of coal and other fossil fuels.

Fisheries

The oceans surrounding polar regions are teeming with life, making them a valuable source of fish and other marine products. Species like cod, herring, and salmon are commonly found in these waters.

Freshwater

While much of the water in polar regions is frozen, these areas are crucial for the global water cycle. Glaciers and ice caps store vast amounts of freshwater, influencing global sea levels and weather patterns. It's important to note that the extraction of these resources can have a devastating impact on the delicate polar ecosystems. Sustainable practices and careful environmental assessments are crucial to protect these pristine environments.