Short Answer Questions: The Land of Snow: Greenland

Q1: What is the Frigid Zone, and where is it located?
Ans: The Frigid Zone is a very cold region on Earth. It is located between 66.5° North and the North Pole (0° N), as well as between 66.5° South and the South Pole (0° S).

Q2: Name some other countries besides Greenland that are part of the Frigid Zone.
Ans: Other countries in the Frigid Zone include the upper half of Alaska (USA), northern parts of Canada, Norway, Sweden, and the northern strip of Russia (known as the tundra).

Q3: Describe Greenland's climate during winters and summers.
Ans: Winters in Greenland are extremely cold, with temperatures often well below freezing and commonly near -20°C or lower in interior areas. Summers are short and cool; coastal areas may warm to around 10°C at their warmest. The sun's rays fall at a slant in many places, so sunlight gives only limited warmth.

Q4: What covers the northern part of Greenland throughout the year?
Ans: The northern part of Greenland is covered with ice sheets all year round, with some areas having ice sheets as thick as 3 kilometres.

Q5: What kind of wildlife is found in Greenland?
Ans: Greenland has both land and marine animals. Examples include:
- Polar bears, musk-oxen, reindeer, arctic foxes, snow hares and lemmings on land.
- Seals, whales, cod, salmon and other marine life in the surrounding seas.
These animals are specially adapted to live in cold conditions.

Q6: How do people traditionally build their homes in Greenland?
Ans: Traditionally, people in Greenland used to live in tents made of reindeer hide or in igloos made of ice blocks. However, modern homes are now made of wood with specific features to keep them warm.

Q7: What is the major economic activity in Greenland?
Ans: The major economic activities in Greenland revolve around fishing, including cod and prawn fishing, as well as mining zinc and lead.

Q8: What is the capital city of Greenland?
Ans: The capital city of Greenland is Nuuk, also known as Godthab.

Q9: How do people travel in Greenland?
Ans: Transportation in Greenland includes sledges driven by Husky dogs and reindeer, as well as motorised sledges. Shipping and air service are also important for transportation.

Q10: What is the language spoken by the majority of people in Greenland?
Ans: The majority of people in Greenland speak Greenlandic (Kalaallisut), an Inuit language. Danish is also widely used, especially for government and education.