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The polar regions, also called the frigid zones or polar zones, of Earth are Earth's polar ice caps, the regions of the planet that surround its geographical poles (the North and South Poles), lying within the polar circles.
Arctic, northernmost region of Earth, centred on the North Pole and characterized by distinctively polar conditions of climate, plant and animal life, and other physical features. The term is derived from the Greek arktos (“bear”), referring to the northern constellation of the Bear.
The Polar Regions are a crucial area of study for understanding global climate patterns and the effects of climate change on our planet. The Arctic and Antarctic regions have unique weather patterns, geological features, flora, and fauna that have adapted to survive in extreme conditions.
A polar climate consists of cool summers and very cold winters (or, in the case of ice cap climates, no real summer at all), which results in treeless tundra, glaciers, or a permanent or semi-permanent layer of ice. It is identified with the letter E in the Köppen climate classification.
Polar Climates. The polar regions surround Earth’s North and South Poles. The area around the North Pole is called the Arctic. The area around the South Pole is called Antarctica. These regions have unique climates.
Polar zones are defined as areas above 66.5° latitude (Arctic Circle in the Northern Hemisphere and Antarctic Circle in the Southern Hemisphere). The average temperature in polar zones is significantly lower than in other climate regions, often remaining below freezing for much of the year.
Arctic, northernmost region of Earth, centered on the North Pole and characterized by distinctively polar conditions of climate, plant and animal life, and other physical features. The term is derived from the Greek word arktos (‘bear’), referring to the northern constellation of the Bear.
Polar ecosystem, complex of living organisms in polar regions such as polar barrens and tundra. Polar barrens and tundra are found at high latitudes on land surfaces not covered by perpetual ice and snow. These areas lying beyond the tree line comprise more than 10 percent of the Earth’s land.
Polar regions are the coldest and most unpopulated regions on the planet, yet they are distinctive in their landscapes, climate, fauna, and flora. This defined uniqueness makes polar regions outstanding.
All sorts of living things call Earth’s polar regions home – from tiny lichens encrusting the rocky landscapes of the Arctic tundra to huge blue whales swimming through the frigid waters of the Southern Ocean.