In order to better perceive the differences between the Arctic and Antarctica, it is worth exploring these areas of our planet more deeply. Each of them has their own unique traits.
Arctic
If you follow the compass needle from anywhere on Earth, you will eventually find yourself at the North Pole. Here the sun goes below the horizon for half a year, and after that it does not hide for the same amount. This is one of the hallmarks of the northernmost part of the planet. The name "Arctic" comes from the Greek word that used to designate the constellation Ursa Major. Bold sailors and discoverers were attracted by the mysterious lands covered with a shining ice shell and the seas with amazing fauna. Making superhuman efforts and showing a truly boundless will, the researchers moved closer and closer to the North Pole. Open areas, coasts and seas were mapped.
The differences between the Arctic and Antarctica are noticeable in the degree of remoteness from the borders of Russia. Northern lands and waters are rich in minerals, including hydrocarbons, non-ferrous metals, diamonds, etc. However, the development of deposits is difficult due to difficult climatic conditions. Small peoples of the North for many centuries have adapted to the localnature. They live engaged in traditional trade - hunting, fishing and deer breeding.
Arctic weather
A man keeps a close eye on the weather conditions of this area. The differences between the Arctic and Antarctica in this matter are almost imperceptible. Observations of the weather are of key importance, because atmospheric processes are formed in these latitudes, spreading to the entire planet.
The Arctic climate is severe: even in the warm season, the air practically does not warm up to positive temperatures. The snow cover almost never melts. Unceasing strong winds are recorded. The operation of the Northern Sea Route is ensured thanks to the existing polar stations, distributed evenly along the coasts and islands.
Arctic borders
The search for an answer to the question of how the Arctic differs from Antarctica forced scientists to carefully study them. The first of these includes the extreme polar regions of Eurasia and North America, as well as the Arctic Ocean with many islands. Only lands in the ocean near Scandinavia are excluded from this area.
The southern border of the Arctic region corresponds to that of the tundra zone. 27 million km2 is its approximate area, which is several times larger than the European territory. If the border of the Arctic is drawn along the Arctic Circle (which scientists sometimes do), then its area will be 6 million km2 less.
Nature of the Arctic
The highest peak in the Arctic, Mt. McKinley, is located on the North American continent, its height exceeds 6 km. Glaciers in this natural area are found not only on mountain peaks, but also on the surface of the seas. Their edges break off for various reasons, forming huge blocks - icebergs. They drift towards the equator, driven by winds and currents.
The ice fetters of the Arctic islands are admirable: they have the shape of regular domes, the slopes of which are gentle. Parts of the islands that are free from the glacier are occupied by the polar desert - endless boulders and rubble. The strip along the coast of the Arctic Ocean is occupied by tundra. There are many swamps in this area, since the permafrost only thaws slightly in the summer.
There are many lakes here, the largest of which are on the Taimyr and Kola Peninsulas.
Flora and fauna of the Arctic
Vegetation on stone placers is sparse. The basis is lichens. Occasionally, flowering plants can also be found: buttercups, polar poppies and partridge grass. Among the trees there are willow and birch in dwarf forms. Their height does not exceed a few centimeters.
The Kola Peninsula and Taimyr are inhabited by colonies of ducks and geese in summer. Animals of the Arctic climate are peculiar, because there are a large number of unique species. Walruses, polar bears, narwhals, seals, etc. live surrounded by the ice of the Arctic Ocean.
The tundra is inhabited by polar wolves, arctic foxes andhoofed lemmings. The sheer cliffs of the islands have chosen giant colonies of birds, the number of which is measured in hundreds of thousands. Each species occupies a strictly defined position among the others. In Russia, the animal world of the Arctic is protected by law.
Antarctica
The differences between the Arctic and Antarctica are explained by the fact that the latter is located at the South Pole of the Earth, while the first is at the North. In addition to the mainland of the same name, it includes the nearby parts of three oceans with islands: Indian, Atlantic and Pacific. The area of the mainland is about 14 million km22, while the Antarctic is almost 4 times larger. There are no geographic relief elements here: rivers, mountains, etc. The entire mainland is covered with an ice shell 4300 m thick. About 90% of all fresh water on the planet is frozen in this massif. Mountain ranges and volcanoes meet under this thickness.
Traveling through the Arctic and Antarctica requires the same equipment and preparation, since both poles are covered with ice. On the southern mainland, there are areas without a glacier, on which there are lakes.
Flora and fauna of Antarctica
The Arctic and Antarctica are located at different poles of the Earth, there are differences between them in the species composition of living beings. The diversity of flora and fauna is extremely scarce. The conditions here are harsh. On land without a glacier, you can find only lichens and mosses, bacteria and microscopic algae.
In somepenguins live on the coast - amazing birds of this harsh region. They are not capable of flight and do not walk very confidently, but they are excellent swimmers.
Some species of mammals and fish live in the ocean surrounding the mainland. Antarctica is devoid of state borders and has no permanent population. In the distant past, it was part of a single mainland - Gondwana. Over time, Antarctica separated, and it was surrounded by a cold ocean current that still exists. It affects the entire thickness of oceanic waters, preventing warm equatorial waters from penetrating to the southern continent.
This current does not allow destroying the thickness of ice on the mainland, which takes away a large amount of thermal energy from the Earth. Thanks to this phenomenon, different climatic zones appeared on our planet, which gave impetus to the flowering of all forms of biological diversity.
What is the difference between Antarctica and Antarctica and the Arctic? The first term means the continent located at the South Pole of the Earth. The second one is more extensive and includes, in addition to the mainland, the adjacent waters of three oceans. The third concept is the area of the world ocean around the North Pole of the Earth. Despite the consonance, these three terms mean different areas of our planet.
Arctic and Antarctica: differences and similarities
There are certain similarities between these areas:
- Covered in a thick layer of ice.
- Approximately the same temperature conditions.
- There are similar types of living organisms.
- Mosses and lichens grow.
Differences between the Arctic and Antarctica can beexpress in the following theses:
- The Arctic is an area of the oceans, and Antarctica is a continent.
- The first one is almost twice as big as the last one.
- The flora of the Arctic is richer, and the fauna is more peculiar (many endemics) than in Antarctica.
