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The Arctic Ocean is the smallest ocean in the world and is comprised of the Kara, Barents, Beaufort, East Siberian and Laptev Seas and the Bering Strait. It is located on top of the world in the northern hemisphere. The total Arctic area measures 14.056 million sq km. In the center of the Arctic is an area of almost permanent sheet ice that spreads outwards from the North Pole. Permafrost prevents anything from growing within the Arctic region, apart from Tundra regions where some moss is apparent. The Eskimo civilization came to the Arctic more than 40,000 years ago and are famous for their igloo housing made from ice and for fishing through purpose-cut holes in the ice surface. Whales, walrus and seals are some of the spectacular fauna found in the Arctic as well as the much loved Orca, often unfairly referred to as the Killer Whale. The Arctic Ocean is subject to a harsh, polar climate. Winter is a time of continuous darkness, cold and stable weather conditions and clear skies. summer is a time of continuous daylight, damp and foggy weather and weak cyclones with rain or snow. |
