Polar lands are known for their extreme weather conditions. This extreme condition is characterised by long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The average temperature ranges from 0º C (summer) to –40º C (winter) in Arctic region and in Antarctic region; it ranges from –28º C (summer) to –60º C (winter). These extreme low temperature conditions are due to the, shape of the Earth, position of the poles and the tilt of the Earth towards the Sun. Both the poles never get direct sunlight and the Sun is always low on the horizon. In the polar regions, during the summer season the Sun never sets whereas during the winter season the sun never rises and there is complete darkness.
Land Around a Frozen Ocean: The Arctic is referred as the land around the frozen ocean. The region consists of the Arctic Ocean and the surrounding land, including Greenland and Spitsbergen, and the northern parts of Alaska, Canada, Norway and Russia. Some of the land parts of the Arctic are covered with ice caps, such as Greenland. Others have rich tundra which is not glaciated. Most of the Arctic is uninhabitable with no fertility in terms of agriculture. This region is sparsely populated. The Arctic has some important mineral resources such as coal, oil, nickel, iron and tin.
Plants and Animals of Arctic Lands: The Arctic has no trees but the ground is covered with grasses, mosses and dry-looking plants. These plants do not flower and are adapted to the tundra climate. The animals found on the Arctic are distinct from the animals found in the Antarctic region, as the Arctic is warmer than the Antarctic. Some of the Arctic animals are polar bear, arctic fox, snowy owl, arctic reindeer, musk ox, etc. These animals have some specific features, e.g. small legs and ears, blubber layer under the skin for insulation, covering of hair etc. These specific features support them to live in such extreme conditions.
