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Arctic Desert: Alaska's Northernmost Town Defies Climate Norms
16 Feb
Summary
- Utqiagvik, Alaska, is classified as a desert despite extreme cold.
- The town receives only 5.81 inches of liquid-equivalent precipitation annually.
- Extreme cold means air holds minimal moisture, creating an Arctic desert.
Utqiagvik, Alaska, the northernmost town in the United States, presents a unique climate paradox. Despite averaging temperatures well below freezing and experiencing numerous blizzards annually, it is classified as a desert. This classification stems from its extremely low annual precipitation, averaging only 5.81 inches of liquid equivalent.
The Arctic desert climate is a result of frigid air's diminished capacity to retain moisture. Even though snow is common, the actual water content is minimal. This phenomenon contributes to the town's harsh environment, which includes a two-month polar night period where the sun does not rise.
Living in Utqiagvik, with a population of 4,700, means enduring conditions such as an average January high temperature of minus-5.2 degrees Fahrenheit. Blowing snow and near-blizzard conditions can occur even into June, with January, February, and March being the peak months for such events.
