Arctic Tundra- When the snow above the active layer melts (the layer of soil where plants can grow), the water remains on the surface of the soil. This is because water cannot be absorbed by the permafrost (a permanent layer of frozen ground below the active layer), leaving the top layer of the soil wet and soggy. Evaporation of the water is also not possible. The arctic tundra's cool air does not promote much Evaporation from taking place. The arctic tundra landscape is formed by the freezing, thawing and refreezing of this soggy soil. This type of land formation is only unique to the arctic tundra.
Alpine Tundra- The alpine tundra's soil also has a layer of permafrost, but its active layer is not as soggy as the arctic tundra's. This is because rainfall in the alpine tundra runs off of the steep mountain sides instead of becoming saturated in the soil. Strong winds also sweep moisture from melting snow out of the soil leaving the top layer dry and dust like in the summer. The alpine tundra of course is made up of mountains either formed by volcanoes, the collision of continental plates, or by retreating glaciers. These mountains are always being changed by earthquakes, strong winds, mud slides, and avalanches.
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