The tundra is a special type of land found in extremely cold areas such as the Arctic and parts of Alaska and Canada. The tundra is sometimes called the desert. In areas with tundra the is frozen the whole year. This frozen ground is called permafrost. Very short shrubs in the tundra. It is difficult for taller plants to grow because the ground is so and hard. The tundra can be very because there is so little to block the wind. Wind can reach nearly 60 miles per hour. Few live in the tundra because there are little plants. However, many birds and insects travel there in the summertime when then ice melts. Because of the cold, windy conditions, it is difficult for some people to in areas with tundra. Some work on research stations for part of the year to the plants and animals that live there.