The elevational gradient runs from sea level on the Bering Sea coast, through 500 m in the hills, up over 1500 m in the mountains. Much of the ecoregion, particularly in the higher elevations, was glaciated during the Pleistocene. Many peaks and ridges still contain glacial cirques. Drainage is poor in the lower elevations and wet soils are common. Climatic conditions in the Beringia tundra reflect the transition from maritime to continental characteristics, as well as the latitudinal and elevational gradients.
Precipitation varies widely across the ecoregion.
Permafrost is largely unbroken in the northern areas, especially on the Seward Peninsula, and exists sporadically in other parts of the ecoregion.