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Eleven per cent of the world's terrestrial surface can be classified as
tundra. Some pockets of tundra occur in Antarctica and on several antarctic and subantarctic islands. Most, however, is found in the Northern hemisphere, where it encircles the region of permanent ice and snow and extends south, to the northern reaches of the
[ taiga ].
In the arctic tundra, the average annual temperature is about −28°C (−18°F). During the winter months, the nights are long and the temperature can drop to −70°C (−94°F). During the summer months, the days are long; average summer temperatures range from 3–12°C (37–54°F).
Overall, conditions on the arctic tundra are similar to those found in
[ alpine ] regions. Repeated freeze–thaw cycles often give rise to ground characterised by cracks, polygons, hummocks, knolls, frost boils and earth stripes, which result from the differential movement of soil, stones and rocks, combined with
solifluction of the soil mantle. However, a layer of permanently frozen dirt and gravel —
permafrost — underlies the surface of the tundra. Permafrost prevents soil drainage during the summer thaw, at which time the surface of the tundra may become saturated with standing water. Bogs and fens are common features.
Vegetation on the tundra is dominated by dwarf shrubs, grasses, herbs, lichens and mosses. Deciduous trees, such as birch and willow, may also be found on the tundra, although they seldom exceed 20cm (8 inches) in height.
The general lack of cover on the tundra presents significant challenges for designers of camouflage uniforms. For one thing, the tactical ranges involved can be much longer. For another, the general absence of shade necessitates a modified approach to the implementation of macropatterns.
Most of the macropatterns developed for Roggenwolf digital camouflage patterns can be adapted for use on the tundra. However, the contrasts between the elements must be reduced, to avoid the appearance of ‘suspicious’ shadows.
Of course, the choice and arrangement of colours is also important. If the colours displayed in a camouflage pattern differ too much from the colours present in the immediate surroundings, the target shape can still be discerned and successful recognition shall occur.
Appropriate colours help a camouflage pattern to blend with its surroundings. In some cases, the colours displayed in Roggenwolf tundra digital camouflage patterns have been derived from computer-aided analyses of colour satellite photographs. Alternatively, custom palettes may then be created to match specific tactical settings through computer-aided analyses of ground-level photographs.
notice: All materials, including photos, camouflage patterns, simulations and text embodied within the pages of this Web site are the property of their respective copyright holders and may not be used elsewhere without explicit written permission from the copyright holder.
All original camouflage patterns and simulations shown on this Web site are copyright © 2005–2006
[ Brad Turner ]. All rights reserved.
