Essentially, an ice filled blister, a pingo can attain a height of more than 30 meters. Eventually the summit can rupture and thaw, creating a water filled crater lake or collapsing the structure altogether. With warmer weather, patterns of animal life begin anew as caribou migrate, arctic foxes stalk ptarmigans, musk oxen gather in defensive circles to ward off hungry wolves, and lemmings emerge from snow burrows that are their winter homes. On a smaller but no less significant scale, swarms of insects take to the air, preying on animals and people alike. The tundra's human population is sparse.
Permanent settlements are few and far between, most being Inuit villages along the coast.
Seasonal populations include scientists and naturalists. Transportation is difficult and often accomplished by light aircraft and helicopters. But, as indicated by the ancient arrowhead pictured, our ancestors traveled the area on foot, as long as 10-12 thousand years ago, hunting and making a life for themselves.