Arctic
The Arctic is a unique and fragile region that covers much of the northernmost parts of Europe, Asia, North America, Greenland and Russia. It is home to many species of plants and animals that are found nowhere else in the world. The Arctic also has a long history of human habitation as well as being an important area for exploration and scientific research.
Geography & Climate
The Arctic encompasses approximately 4 million square miles (10 million km2) located between the North Pole and 60 degrees north latitude. It includes parts or all of eight countries: Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and USA (Alaska). Physically it is composed mainly of ocean surrounded by land masses including several large archipelagos. There are no permanent settlements in most areas due to its extreme climate – temperatures can range from -34°F (-37°C) to 32°F (0°C).
Flora & Fauna
Due to its harsh environment only certain flora such as lichens can survive in this region while fauna include polar bears, reindeer/caribou wolves lynx arctic foxes seals whales walruses muskoxen polar hares lemmings wolverines snow geese snowy owls eider ducks etc. These animals have adapted over time to live in the cold conditions with thick fur insulation layers deep fat reserves short ears tails legs etc.. Additionally some migratory birds travel through this region during summer months when food sources become available again after winter thaws out sea ice enabling them access to their feeding grounds near shorelines along with other vegetation growths during warmer seasons producing further sustenance for them on their travels back towards southwards destinations each year thereafter repeating same cycle continuously.. This makes up part what’s known scientifically as “the great animal migration” within Northern Hemisphere regions where millions such creatures move seasonally between latitudes annually seeking better climates suitable supporting habitats enable survivalist needs throughout life cycles thus helping maintain delicate ecosystems balance which could otherwise be easily disrupted if any one population were left unchecked without natural predators keeping populations healthy stable numbers regulated naturally checks balances intact order avoid destructive environmental consequences occurring detriment wildlife living nearby upstream downstream effects felt indirectly too…
Human Impact
Human activity has had both positive and negative impacts on the Arctic environment over time ranging from hunting fishing whaling across centuries more recently oil gas mining drilling explorations shipping transportation tourism activities happening today leading greater threats posed fragile ecosystem loss biodiversity pollution global warming melting permafrost formations tundra damaged beyond repair needing urgent attention conservation protection efforts help safeguard resources remain sustainable future generations come enjoy experience beauty wonder majesty place holds dear hearts minds around world alike…