The Polar Regions

The Polar Regions, comprising the Arctic and Antarctic, are the coldest parts of the Earth, located at the top and bottom of the globe. The Arctic is an ocean surrounded by continents, with a cover of sea ice that fluctuates seasonally. The Antarctic is a continent covered by a thick ice sheet. These regions experience extreme cold, long periods of darkness or daylight, and unique ecosystems. They play vital roles in Earth's climate regulation, acting as reflectors of sunlight and influencing global weather patterns. Despite harsh conditions, they support specialized wildlife such as polar bears, penguins, seals, and various seabirds.