Arctic ice can completely melt
Arctic ice is of great importance for the climate on our planet, they reflect the sun’s rays and do not allow the Earth to overheat. But scientists believe that by the end of the XXI century, long-term ice can completely melt in the summer.
Polar day and night in the Arctic last for several months
In the Arctic, a polar night and a polar day happen once a year. Of course, for about half a year, night and day here last only at the North Pole, but in other parts of the region their duration is several months.
The Arctic is warming faster than other parts of the planet
The Arctic is the most vulnerable region in the face of global warming, temperature conditions here are changing much faster than anywhere else on Earth, and the area of Arctic ice has decreased by about 70% over the past 50 years.
Polar bears and walruses live only in the Arctic
Besides them, there are real seals, whales and smaller mammals. The fringe zone of the Arctic sea ice is rich in fish, krill and plankton. The melting of the ice threatens the death of many animals living here.
Arctic animals are perfectly camouflaged
Most Arctic animals have white fur or plumage all year round, or change color depending on the time of year. This helps them to keep warm and disguise themselves on the snow and ice cover.
The largest nature reserve is located in the Arctic
The Great Arctic Reserve is located right here, covering an area of more than 40,000 km2, which is approximately equal to the area of the whole of Switzerland. It belongs to Russia – only our country can allocate such an area for a nature reserve.
The word “Arctic” means bear
The name “Arctic“ appeared thanks to the Greek word ”arktos”, which means “bear”. This region got its name because for observers to the south of it, it is located approximately under the part of the starry sky where the constellation Ursa Major is visible.
Now there is a huge ozone hole over the Arctic
Currently, there is a huge ozone hole in the atmosphere over the Arctic, the largest on Earth. It arose due to global climate change, as a result of which huge masses of cold air remain trapped here.
Huge oil and gas reserves have been explored in the Arctic
Oil reserves here are estimated at about 90 billion barrels, which the whole Earth, while maintaining the level of consumption, will last for about 150 years. However, it is difficult to develop these deposits without harming the local ecology.
The Arctic faces an environmental catastrophe
Currently, the Arctic is facing an environmental catastrophe – due to global warming, the climate is changing, the ice cap in the ocean is decreasing, and animals from the temperate climate zone are beginning to move further north, competing with local fauna.