Page 355 - New Medley 5 Semester 1

The icebergs look very small in size, as the larger part of them remain

under the water. The icebergs pose a great danger to the ships in the
sea, due to poor visibility.

Climatic Conditions

In Greenland, the climate is very cold throughout the year. The winter
season is for about nine months. Very cold and chilly winds blow during

this season. The sun is also not visible for many weeks. There is a heavy
snowfall and the temperature is generally below freezing point (0°C).

During the summer season, there is bright sunshine for many weeks and

the sun never sets. We also call this area the Land of the Midnight Sun.

The general weather is bright and sunny. However, the rainfall is scanty.
At many places, the ice melts in this season, but the temperature is near
the freezing point, (0°C).

Natural Vegetation and Wildlife

Due to the cold climate and frozen
land, the vegetation in this region is

limited. Plants with deep roots do not
grow. The main types of vegetation are

shrubs, mosses, lichens and grasses. Some
flowering plants grow during the summer

months. There are no trees and crops.

Animals, which can bear the extremely Huskies

cold weather, can live and survive in Greenland. The main animals are
polar bear, reindeer, musk ox, wolf, arctic fox and seals. The wolf-like

dogs, called huskies, are also found here. All these animals have thick
fur over their bodies. The huskies are used for pulling the sledges.

Life of People

The total population of Greenland is about 57,000, out of which about 80
per cent are Eskimos (also called Inuits) and the rest of them are mostly
Europeans. The Eskimos migrated to Greenland from North America,

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