In order to better perceive the differences between the Arctic and Antarctica, it is worth exploring these areas of our planet in more depth. Each of them has its own unique features.
Arctic
If you follow the compass needle from anywhere in the world, you will end up at the North Pole. Here the sun for six months goes beyond the horizon, and after the same amount is not hidden. This is one of the visible signs of the northernmost part of the planet. The name "Arctic" comes from the Greek word, which used to denote the constellation Ursa Major. The brave sailors and discoverers were attracted by mysterious lands covered with shining ice shells, and the sea with amazing fauna. Through inhuman efforts and manifesting a truly unlimited will, the researchers moved 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. The small peoples of the North over many centuries have adapted to the local nature. They live, engaged in traditional fishing - hunting, fishing and breeding deer.
Arctic weather
A person closely monitors the weather conditions of this area. The differences between the Arctic and Antarctica in this matter are almost invisible. Weather observations are key because atmospheric processes are forming at these latitudes that extend to the entire planet.
The Arctic climate is severe: even in the warm season, the air practically does not warm up to plus temperatures. Snow cover almost never disappears. Non-stopping strong winds are recorded. The work 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, made scientists carefully study them. The first of them includes the extreme polar regions of Eurasia and North America, as well as the Arctic Ocean with many islands. Only land in the ocean near Scandinavia is excluded from this area.
The southern border of the Arctic region corresponds to that of the tundra zone. 27 million km 2 is its approximate area, which is several times larger than European territory. If the Arctic border is drawn along the Arctic Circle (which scientists sometimes do), then its area will be 6 million km 2 less.
Arctic nature
The highest peak in the Arctic, McKinley, is located on the North American continent, its height exceeds 6 km. Glaciers in this natural zone are found not only on mountain peaks, but also on the surface of the seas. Their edges, for various reasons, break off, forming huge boulders - icebergs. They drift towards the equator, driven by winds and currents.
The icy shackles 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 of glacier are occupied by the polar desert - endless boulders and rubble. The strip along the coast of the Arctic Ocean is occupied by the tundra. There are many swamps on this territory, because permafrost only thaws a little in the summer.
There are many lakes, the largest of which are located on the Taimyr and Kola Peninsulas .
Arctic Flora and Fauna
Stone vegetation is sparse. The basis is lichens. Occasionally, flowering plants can 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 in the summer are inhabited by colonies of ducks and geese. Animals of the Arctic climate are unique, since there are a large number of unique species. Walruses, polar bears, narwhal, seals, etc. live surrounded by the ice of the Arctic Ocean.
The tundra is inhabited by polar wolves, arctic foxes and ungulate lemmings. Giant colonies of birds, the number of which is measured in hundreds of thousands, have chosen the sheer cliffs of the islands. Each species occupies a strictly defined position among the rest. 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 last of them is 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 km 2 , while the Antarctic is almost 4 times greater than it. There are no geographical elements of the relief: rivers, mountains, etc. The whole continent is covered with an ice shell of 4300 m thick. About 90% of all fresh water on the planet is frozen in this massif. Under this stratum mountain ranges and volcanoes are found.
Traveling in the Arctic and Antarctica requires the same equipment and training, 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
At different poles of the Earth are the Arctic and Antarctica, differences between them are also present in the species composition of living creatures. The variety of flora and fauna is extremely scarce. The conditions here are harsh. On land without glacier land, only lichens and mosses, bacteria and microscopic algae can be found.
In some places along the coast live penguins - amazing birds of this harsh region. They are not capable of flying and do not walk very confidently, but they swim superbly.
Some species of mammals and fish live in the ocean surrounding the mainland. Antarctica has no state borders and does not have a 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, which still exists. It affects the entire thickness of the ocean waters, preventing the penetration of the warm equatorial waters to the southern continent.
This current does not destroy 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 an impetus to the flourishing of all forms of biological diversity.
What is the difference between Antarctica and the Antarctic and the Arctic? The first term means a continent located at the South Pole of the Earth. The second is more extensive and includes, in addition to the mainland, the adjacent waters of the three oceans. The third concept is the region of the oceans 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 with a thick layer of ice.
- Approximately the same temperature conditions.
- There are similar species of living organisms.
- Mosses and lichens grow.
The differences between the Arctic and Antarctica can be expressed in the following theses:
- The Arctic is the region of the oceans, and Antarctica is the continent.
- The first in area is almost 2 times larger than the last.
- The flora of the Arctic is richer, and the fauna is more peculiar (many endemics) than in Antarctica.