What defines the Arctic?
The Arctic is the northernmost region on Earth. Most scientists define the Arctic as the area within the Arctic Circle, a line of latitude about 66.5° north of the Equator. Within this circle are the Arctic ocean basin and the northern parts of Scandinavia, Russia, Canada, Greenland, and the U.S. state of Alaska.
What are 5 interesting facts about Arctic?
The name ‘Arctic’ comes from a Greek word meaning ‘near the bear’. The coldest recorded temperature in the Arctic is around −68 °C (−90 °F). Over recent years, the Arctic region has shrunk due to global warming. Small shrubs can grow in warmer parts of the Arctic, as well as various herbs, mosses and lichens.
What are 3 facts about Arctic?
Arctic facts for kids
- The Arctic is located at the northernmost part of Earth.
- The name ‘Arctic’ comes from a Greek word meaning ‘bear’.
- Winter temperatures can drop below −50 °C.
- Polar bears live in the Arctic, near the North Pole.
- In total, only about 4 million people live in the arctic.
What is an Arctic habitat for kids?
The Arctic habitat is a cold area above the Arctic Circle where certain plants and animals live. It’s made up of the Arctic Ocean and areas of the U.S., Canada, Russia, Iceland, Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Greenland. This habitat has blustery winds and is very cold, with temperatures reaching 94 degrees below zero!
Is Arctic a desert?
The 62,300 square miles of the Arctic is a cold desert, though when snow does fall, it generally never melts, but instead remains year-round to cover the land surface. As a result, the air is dry in the Arctic just as it would be in a conventional “hot” desert, even though there is an ocean at the Arctic.
What is the Arctic Circle facts for kids?
The Arctic Circle is a parallel latitude that runs north of the equator. The exact position of the Arctic Circle is not fixed. As of 23rd May 2018, it runs 66 degrees 33’47.2″ north of the equator. The shifting of the circle is caused because the Arctic Circle is not a fixed mass of land like Antarctica.
What are 3 interesting facts about the Arctic?
10 Fascinating Facts About the Arctic Circle
- BIRD POOP HELPS KEEP THE AREA COOL.
- THE ARCTIC COMES TO LIFE DURING WINTER.
- IT’S HOME TO THE WORLD’S BIGGEST, MOST SECURE SEED STORAGE FACILITY.
- THE FIRST MAN TO REACH THE NORTH POLE WAS OVERLOOKED FOR DECADES.
- LOTS OF PEOPLE LIVE THERE.
What is the Arctic climate for kids?
The Arctic is characterized by cold winters and cool summers. Its precipitation mostly comes in the form of snow and is low, with most of the area receiving less than 50 cm (20 in). Average winter temperatures can go as low as −40 °C (−40 °F), and the coldest recorded temperature is approximately −68 °C (−90 °F).