Polar regions

Question 1

Global distribution of polar regions:

Answer 1

The two polar regions on Earth are the Arctic (in the North) and the Antarctic (in the South)

Question 2

Where is Antarctica located?

Answer 2

Antarctica is located at the most southernmost point of the globe, in the southern hemisphere and completely surrounded by the Southern Ocean.

Question 3

Is Antarctica a continent?

Answer 3

Antarctica is its own continent and the 5th largest of the world’s 7.

Question 4

What is the Arctic?

Answer 4

The Arctic is the area within the Arctic Circle, a latitude line 66 degrees, 33 minutes North. It is a collection of ice-covered ocean and land areas located in 3 continents. It consists of the Arctic ocean and its ice caps, plus northern areas of Alaska, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Russia.

Question 5

What is the temperature in Antarctica?

Answer 5

In Antarctica, the mean temperatures are -60°C in winter and -28.2°C in the summer.

Question 6

What is the temperature in the Arctic?

Answer 6

In the Arctic, the temperature averages -40°C in the winter and 0°C in the summer.

Question 7

Differences between the polar regions (continent):

Answer 7

Antarctica is a continent, whereas the Arctic is not.

Question 8

Differences between the polar regions (landmass):

Answer 8

The Arctic is not a landmass whilst Antarctica is a landmass (a section of continental crust).