Biome Description

A temperate grassland biome, also known as a prairie, is a type of ecosystem characterized by grasses and herbaceous plants, with few or no trees. These grasslands are found in temperate regions, such as North America, South America, Eurasia, and Africa. The climate in temperate grasslands is typically continental, with hot summers and cold winters, and moderate rainfall. The grasses in the prairie are adapted to this climate, with deep root systems that allow them to survive periods of drought. Wildlife in the temperate grassland includes large herbivores such as bison, antelope, and deer, as well as predators such as wolves and coyotes. The grasslands are also home to a variety of birds, reptiles, and insects. Due to their fertile soils, temperate grasslands are often converted to agricultural use, and much of the original prairie has been lost to development. However, conservation efforts have helped to protect remaining areas of temperate grassland and the unique biodiversity they provide.

A cold desert biome is a type of desert characterized by low precipitation and extremely cold temperatures. These deserts are found in regions at high latitudes or altitudes, such as the Arctic and Antarctic regions, the Tibetan Plateau, and the Andes Mountains. The climate in a cold desert is harsh, with temperatures ranging from below freezing to above 30°C (86°F) during the summer months. Precipitation is low, often less than 250 mm (10 inches) per year, and may fall as snow. The vegetation in a cold desert is limited to low-lying shrubs, grasses, and lichens, adapted to the cold and dry conditions. Wildlife in the cold desert includes cold-adapted species such as polar bears, arctic foxes, and penguins in the polar regions, and llamas and vicuñas in the Andes. Human activities such as mining and development are major threats to cold desert ecosystems, which are often fragile and slow to recover from disturbance. Despite their harsh conditions, cold deserts are important ecosystems and support unique biodiversity.

Building the Atlas

We launched the Agrivoltaic Atlas on April 12, 2023 for the AgriVoltaics 2023 conference in Daegu, South Korea. We launch with the goal of demonstrating the idea and gathering interest from partners around the world to contribute. If you would like to contribute, contact findme@kailepley.com.