Chapter -7 (The land of snow)

Back exercise question

Question 1: Where is Greenland situated? Why is the island white?

Answer 1: Greenland is located towards the north- east of North America. More than two-thirds of the island is located north of the Artic circle.

Greenland looks white as about 80 per cent of the island is covered with the snow.

Question 2: Write five sentences on the climate of Greenland.

Answer 2: Greenland has an arctic type of climate. It is very cold throughout the year. The winters are long and cold with temperatures dropping below the freezing point. Summer is short and cool. The weather is bright and sunny, especially in the coastal areas.

Question 3: What is the effect of the climate on the vegetation of Greenland?

Answer 3: As it is very cold in Greenland, no crops can grow here. Mosses, lichens, grasses and bushes grow in the summer season. There are no forests in Greenland.

Question 4: What kind of animals live in Greenland?

Answer 4: Only animals with thick furry coats or those which can withstand extreme cold can survive in Greenland. Musk oxen, polar bears, reindeers, whales and seals are some animals found in Greenland.

Question 5: Write a short note on igloos.

Answer 5: The Inuits live in igloos or snow houses in the winter season. These houses are made of large blocks of ice and are dome-shaped. A hole is made in the centre of the dome to allow smoke and hot air to pass through. The floor is covered with skins and furs of animals.

Think and answer

Question: Greenland is often called the ‘Land of Midnight sun’. Why?

Answer: During summers, Greenland has continuous sunlight for several weeks. That if why Greenland is known as the ‘Land of the Midnight sun’.