Describe and explain the extreme temperature range experienced in north- central Siberia between January and July.

The understanding of Siberia's climate begins with its geographic location and elevation. Situated in north-central Asia, Siberia is encapsulated by mountain ranges to the south and the Arctic Ocean to the north. The region's considerable distance from moderating bodies of water, coupled with its higher elevation, sets the stage for its extreme continental climate.

The elevation plays a crucial role in temperature variation; higher altitudes are associated with colder temperatures due to the thinning atmosphere. This means less heat retention and more rapid cooling at night, resulting in severe temperature swings between day and night. Siberia's vast expanses also allow for the accumulation of cold air in valleys and plateaus during winter, thus contributing to some of the planet's most frigid temperatures.

Two unique astronomical phenomena shape the Siberian weather patterns: the Polar Night and Midnight Sun. During the Polar Night, areas within the Arctic Circle experience a prolonged period of darkness when the sun does not rise above the horizon. This occurs in north-central Siberia, contributing to extremely cold and long winters, where temperatures can plummet drastically.

On the flip side, the Midnight Sun phenomenon graces this region with continuous daylight during summer months, allowing nearly constant solar heating. This phenomenon not only warms the soil and the air, but it also stimulates a short but intense period of biological activity that is vital to ecosystems and local agriculture.

The extreme temperature shifts in north-central Siberia are influenced by atmospheric conditions characterized by the Siberian High, a large anticyclone. During winter, this weather pattern establishes itself over the region, bringing clear skies and preventing warmer air from intruding, leading to significant drops in temperature. In contrast, when this anticyclone weakens in summer, it allows for warmer air masses to move in.

Furthermore, Siberia's low humidity prevents efficient heat retention, leading to rapid cooling once the sun sets even during summer. This accounts for the wide diurnal temperature variation typical of continental climates. The synthesis of these atmospheric conditions with the region's geographical factors explains the reasons behind the dramatic temperature differences observed between January and July.

Climate change is increasingly playing a critical role in transforming the temperature range of Siberia. The region is amongst the fastest warming places on Earth, which is altering its thermal profile significantly. Winters are becoming milder, reducing the extent and thickness of snow cover that once reflected solar radiation, which contributed to the traditional cold.

Summers are now seeing higher peak temperatures, in part due to the earlier spring snowmelt initiating a longer warm season. These shifts not only affect the local environments and species adapted to severe cold but also have global implications, such as the potential release of methane from thawing permafrost — a potent greenhouse gas that can further exacerbate global warming.