Arctic: Quick Facts

Q: What ocean is found in the Arctic region?

The ocean found in the Arctic region is the Arctic Ocean . It is the smallest of the world's oceans, centered around the North Pole . This ocean is characterized by a cover of perennial ice and is nearly surrounded by the landmasses of North America , Eurasia , and Greenland . Its marginal seas include the Chukchi , East Siberian , Laptev , Kara , Barents , White , Greenland , and Beaufort seas.

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

Nov. 13, 2026

Answers created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

What is the Arctic?

The Arctic is the northernmost region of Earth, centered on the North Pole. It is characterized by distinct polar climates, with extreme temperature fluctuations between summer and winter. The region north of the tree line includes areas like Greenland, northern parts of Siberia, Alaska, and Canada.

The Arctic environment features tundra landscapes with grasses, sedges, and low shrubs, underlain by permafrost. While often perceived as barren, it supports unique plant and animal life, with marine fauna being particularly abundant in certain areas. Indigenous peoples have inhabited the Arctic for millennia, adapting their subsistence strategies to its seasonality, relying on hunting, fishing, and trapping. The Arctic is also a critical area for studying global climate change, as it is warming at a rate significantly faster than the rest of the world.

Arctic - Sedentary peoples: the southern Yupiit and the Unangan ( Aleuts ) Arctic, northernmost region of Earth, centred on the North Pole and characterized by distinctively polar conditions of climate, plant and animal life, and other physical features. The term is derived from the Greek arktos (“bear”), referring to the northern constellation of the Bear. It has https://cdn.britannica.com/53/5853-004-FF0BE165/North-Pole.jpg Arctic Arctic, northernmost region of Earth, centred on the North Pole and characterized by distinctively polar conditions of climate, plant and animal life, and other physical features. The term is derived from the Greek arktos (“bear”), referring to the northern constellation of the Bear. It has https://cdn.britannica.com/53/5853-004-FF0BE165/North-Pole.jpg Arctic - Climate of the Arctic Arctic, northernmost region of Earth, centred on the North Pole and characterized by distinctively polar conditions of climate, plant and animal life, and other physical features. The term is derived from the Greek arktos (“bear”), referring to the northern constellation of the Bear. It has https://cdn.britannica.com/53/5853-004-FF0BE165/North-Pole.jpg Arctic - Marine fauna Arctic, northernmost region of Earth, centred on the North Pole and characterized by distinctively polar conditions of climate, plant and animal life, and other physical features. The term is derived from the Greek arktos (“bear”), referring to the northern constellation of the Bear. It has https://cdn.britannica.com/53/5853-004-FF0BE165/North-Pole.jpg Arctic - Environmental concerns Arctic, northernmost region of Earth, centred on the North Pole and characterized by distinctively polar conditions of climate, plant and animal life, and other physical features. The term is derived from the Greek arktos (“bear”), referring to the northern constellation of the Bear. It has https://cdn.britannica.com/53/5853-004-FF0BE165/North-Pole.jpg Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, vast natural area occupying the northeastern corner of the U.S. state of Alaska. It was established in 1960 as Arctic National Wildlife Range with an area of approximately 13,900 square miles (36,000 square km) and was expanded and renamed Arctic National Wildlife https://cdn.britannica.com/21/149521-050-0BE47119/Arctic-National-Wildlife-Refuge.jpg

Where is the Arctic located on Earth?

The Arctic is the northernmost region on Earth, centered around the North Pole. It is characterized by extreme polar conditions, including distinct climates, unique plant and animal life, and specific physical features. While sometimes defined by the Arctic Circle at latitude 66°30′ N, a more practical boundary is the northernmost limit of tree growth. This region encompasses Greenland, Svalbard, and the northern parts of Siberia, Alaska, and Canada.

Arctic Arctic, northernmost region of Earth, centred on the North Pole and characterized by distinctively polar conditions of climate, plant and animal life, and other physical features. The term is derived from the Greek arktos (“bear”), referring to the northern constellation of the Bear. It has https://cdn.britannica.com/53/5853-004-FF0BE165/North-Pole.jpg Arctic Circle Arctic Circle, parallel, or line of latitude around Earth, at approximately 66°30′ N. Because of Earth’s inclination of about 23 1 2 ° to the vertical, it marks the southern limit of the area within which, for one day or more each year, the sun does not set (about June 21) or rise (about December https://cdn.britannica.com/47/89847-050-4E094E6C/Arctic-Regions.jpg Arctic - Administration Arctic, northernmost region of Earth, centred on the North Pole and characterized by distinctively polar conditions of climate, plant and animal life, and other physical features. The term is derived from the Greek arktos (“bear”), referring to the northern constellation of the Bear. It has https://cdn.britannica.com/53/5853-004-FF0BE165/North-Pole.jpg Arctic - Climate of the Arctic Arctic, northernmost region of Earth, centred on the North Pole and characterized by distinctively polar conditions of climate, plant and animal life, and other physical features. The term is derived from the Greek arktos (“bear”), referring to the northern constellation of the Bear. It has https://cdn.britannica.com/53/5853-004-FF0BE165/North-Pole.jpg Arctic Ocean Arctic Ocean, smallest of the world’s oceans, centring approximately on the North Pole. The Arctic Ocean and its marginal seas—the Chukchi, East Siberian, Laptev, Kara, Barents, White, Greenland, and Beaufort and, according to some oceanographers, also the Bering and Norwegian—are the least-known https://cdn.britannica.com/53/5853-004-FF0BE165/North-Pole.jpg

What is the climate like in the Arctic?

The Arctic climate is characterized by extreme cold, with significant variations depending on latitude and proximity to the sea. Polar continental climates experience intensely cold winters with light snowfall, while polar maritime climates have milder winters with higher snowfall. Summer temperatures are more uniform, but can include spells of hot weather in continental areas, contrasting with cooler, foggier conditions in maritime regions. Frost can occur year-round, and the growing season is short. The Arctic is also experiencing rapid warming due to climate change, with average temperatures rising significantly more than the global average. This warming leads to melting sea ice and thawing permafrost, impacting ecosystems and potentially exacerbating global warming.

Arctic - Climate of the Arctic Arctic, northernmost region of Earth, centred on the North Pole and characterized by distinctively polar conditions of climate, plant and animal life, and other physical features. The term is derived from the Greek arktos (“bear”), referring to the northern constellation of the Bear. It has https://cdn.britannica.com/53/5853-004-FF0BE165/North-Pole.jpg permafrost Permafrost, perennially frozen ground, a naturally occurring material with a temperature colder than 0 °C (32 °F) continuously for two or more years. Such a layer of frozen ground is designated exclusively on the basis of temperature. Part or all of its moisture may be unfrozen, depending on the https://cdn.britannica.com/78/50878-050-DB983191/Distribution-permafrost-Northern-Hemisphere.jpg tundra - Effects of human activities and climate change Tundra, a major zone of treeless level or rolling ground found in cold regions, mostly north of the Arctic Circle (Arctic tundra) or above the timberline on high mountains (alpine tundra). Tundra is known for large stretches of bare ground and rock and for patchy mantles of low vegetation such as https://cdn.britannica.com/81/143481-050-05DDC0A8/mountain-Alaskan-vegetation-tundra-fall.jpg

What ocean is found in the Arctic region?

The ocean found in the Arctic region is the Arctic Ocean. It is the smallest of the world's oceans, centered around the North Pole. This ocean is characterized by a cover of perennial ice and is nearly surrounded by the landmasses of North America, Eurasia, and Greenland. Its marginal seas include the Chukchi, East Siberian, Laptev, Kara, Barents, White, Greenland, and Beaufort seas.

Arctic - The Arctic Ocean Arctic, northernmost region of Earth, centred on the North Pole and characterized by distinctively polar conditions of climate, plant and animal life, and other physical features. The term is derived from the Greek arktos (“bear”), referring to the northern constellation of the Bear. It has https://cdn.britannica.com/53/5853-004-FF0BE165/North-Pole.jpg Arctic - Marine fauna Arctic, northernmost region of Earth, centred on the North Pole and characterized by distinctively polar conditions of climate, plant and animal life, and other physical features. The term is derived from the Greek arktos (“bear”), referring to the northern constellation of the Bear. It has https://cdn.britannica.com/53/5853-004-FF0BE165/North-Pole.jpg Arctic Ocean Arctic Ocean, smallest of the world’s oceans, centring approximately on the North Pole. The Arctic Ocean and its marginal seas—the Chukchi, East Siberian, Laptev, Kara, Barents, White, Greenland, and Beaufort and, according to some oceanographers, also the Bering and Norwegian—are the least-known https://cdn.britannica.com/53/5853-004-FF0BE165/North-Pole.jpg Atlantic Ocean - Extent Atlantic Ocean, body of salt water covering approximately one-fifth of Earth’s surface and separating the continents of Europe and Africa to the east from those of North and South America to the west. The ocean’s name, derived from Greek mythology, means the “Sea of Atlas.” It is second in size to https://cdn.britannica.com/04/6004-050-EBC240F4/depth-contours-Atlantic-Ocean-submarine-features.jpg

What kinds of animals live in the Arctic?

The Arctic is home to a variety of animals adapted to its harsh climate. Mammals include the polar bear, Arctic fox, Arctic wolf, Arctic hare, reindeer (caribou), and musk ox. Marine mammals such as the beluga whale and narwhal are also found in Arctic waters.

Birds like the snowy owl and various species of waterfowl inhabit the region. Fish populations include Arctic char and polar cod. Reptiles and amphibians are virtually absent due to the extreme cold.

tundra - Arctic mammals Tundra, a major zone of treeless level or rolling ground found in cold regions, mostly north of the Arctic Circle (Arctic tundra) or above the timberline on high mountains (alpine tundra). Tundra is known for large stretches of bare ground and rock and for patchy mantles of low vegetation such as https://cdn.britannica.com/81/143481-050-05DDC0A8/mountain-Alaskan-vegetation-tundra-fall.jpg Arctic - Marine fauna Arctic, northernmost region of Earth, centred on the North Pole and characterized by distinctively polar conditions of climate, plant and animal life, and other physical features. The term is derived from the Greek arktos (“bear”), referring to the northern constellation of the Bear. It has https://cdn.britannica.com/53/5853-004-FF0BE165/North-Pole.jpg polar ecosystem - Biota of the Arctic Polar ecosystem, complex of living organisms in polar regions such as polar barrens and tundra. Polar barrens and tundra are found at high latitudes on land surfaces not covered by perpetual ice and snow. These areas lying beyond the tree line comprise more than 10 percent of the Earth’s land https://cdn.britannica.com/94/6594-004-0B232F2C/limit-tundra-line-Arctic-demarcation-Low.jpg Arctic - Animals of the land and fresh water Arctic, northernmost region of Earth, centred on the North Pole and characterized by distinctively polar conditions of climate, plant and animal life, and other physical features. The term is derived from the Greek arktos (“bear”), referring to the northern constellation of the Bear. It has https://cdn.britannica.com/53/5853-004-FF0BE165/North-Pole.jpg Arctic - Environmental concerns Arctic, northernmost region of Earth, centred on the North Pole and characterized by distinctively polar conditions of climate, plant and animal life, and other physical features. The term is derived from the Greek arktos (“bear”), referring to the northern constellation of the Bear. It has https://cdn.britannica.com/53/5853-004-FF0BE165/North-Pole.jpg Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, vast natural area occupying the northeastern corner of the U.S. state of Alaska. It was established in 1960 as Arctic National Wildlife Range with an area of approximately 13,900 square miles (36,000 square km) and was expanded and renamed Arctic National Wildlife https://cdn.britannica.com/21/149521-050-0BE47119/Arctic-National-Wildlife-Refuge.jpg

How are climate change and melting ice affecting the Arctic?

Climate change is significantly impacting the Arctic, leading to accelerated warming. Average surface air temperatures in the Arctic have risen by approximately 3.5°C (5.3°F) since 1900, a rate much higher than the global average. This warming is causing rapid melting of sea ice, with predictions that summer sea ice could vanish from the Arctic Ocean in the first half of the 21st century.

The melting of sea ice has several consequences:
* Amplified Warming: Less ice means less reflection of sunlight, leading to more solar radiation absorption by the ocean and further warming.
* Ecological Impacts: The reduction in sea ice affects habitats for native animals, such as polar bears.
* Increased Access: An ice-free Arctic Ocean improves access for industrial activities, potentially increasing stress on ecosystems.
* Permafrost Thaw: Warming temperatures are thawing permafrost, releasing greenhouse gases like CO2 and methane into the atmosphere, which can exacerbate global warming.
* Sea Level Rise: While Antarctic icebergs contribute to sea level rise, melting glaciers and ice sheets in the Arctic and Greenland are also significant contributors.

tundra - Effects of human activities and climate change Tundra, a major zone of treeless level or rolling ground found in cold regions, mostly north of the Arctic Circle (Arctic tundra) or above the timberline on high mountains (alpine tundra). Tundra is known for large stretches of bare ground and rock and for patchy mantles of low vegetation such as https://cdn.britannica.com/81/143481-050-05DDC0A8/mountain-Alaskan-vegetation-tundra-fall.jpg sea ice Sea ice, frozen seawater in the Arctic Ocean and its adjacent seas as far south as China and Japan and in the Southern Ocean and its adjacent seas surrounding Antarctica. Most sea ice occurs as pack ice, which is very mobile, drifting across the ocean surface under the influence of the wind and https://cdn.britannica.com/02/97302-050-BC626518/extent-Sea-ice-regions-Antarctic-sea-contracts-2006.jpg iceberg - Impacts on ice sheets and sea level Iceberg, floating mass of freshwater ice that has broken from the seaward end of either a glacier or an ice shelf. Icebergs are found in the oceans surrounding Antarctica, in the seas of the Arctic and subarctic, in Arctic fjords, and in lakes fed by glaciers. Icebergs of the Antarctic calve from https://cdn.britannica.com/53/74653-050-D450092C/Tourist-boat-front-iceberg-Greenland-coast.jpg Arctic - The Arctic in international affairs Arctic, northernmost region of Earth, centred on the North Pole and characterized by distinctively polar conditions of climate, plant and animal life, and other physical features. The term is derived from the Greek arktos (“bear”), referring to the northern constellation of the Bear. It has https://cdn.britannica.com/53/5853-004-FF0BE165/North-Pole.jpg Arctic - Environmental concerns Arctic, northernmost region of Earth, centred on the North Pole and characterized by distinctively polar conditions of climate, plant and animal life, and other physical features. The term is derived from the Greek arktos (“bear”), referring to the northern constellation of the Bear. It has https://cdn.britannica.com/53/5853-004-FF0BE165/North-Pole.jpg iceberg - Impact on ocean structure Iceberg, floating mass of freshwater ice that has broken from the seaward end of either a glacier or an ice shelf. Icebergs are found in the oceans surrounding Antarctica, in the seas of the Arctic and subarctic, in Arctic fjords, and in lakes fed by glaciers. Icebergs of the Antarctic calve from https://cdn.britannica.com/53/74653-050-D450092C/Tourist-boat-front-iceberg-Greenland-coast.jpg Arctic - Climate of the Arctic Arctic, northernmost region of Earth, centred on the North Pole and characterized by distinctively polar conditions of climate, plant and animal life, and other physical features. The term is derived from the Greek arktos (“bear”), referring to the northern constellation of the Bear. It has https://cdn.britannica.com/53/5853-004-FF0BE165/North-Pole.jpg

Read the full article Arctic Arctic, northernmost region of Earth, centred on the North Pole and characterized by distinctively polar conditions of climate, plant and animal life, and other physical features. The term is derived from the Greek arktos (“bear”), referring to the northern constellation of the Bear. It hasread more

News •

NATO is experimenting with amphibious robots that can cross ice and water in the Arctic • Nov. 11, 2026, 8:04 AM ET (Business Insider)

Ottawa consulting on future of Arctic offshore oil and gas drilling ban, Carney says • Nov. 10, 2026, 6:31 PM ET (CBC)

Sailors aboard Britain's newest aircraft carrier are training to fight through darkness, rough seas, and radio silence • Nov. 8, 2026, 8:13 AM ET (Business Insider)

Arctic winter sea ice is being overestimated by climate models • Nov. 7, 2026, 10:41 AM ET (Earth.com)

Greenland approves security deal with Denmark and US following months of Trump pressure • Nov. 3, 2026, 11:36 AM ET (AP)

The Arctic is the northernmost polar region of Earth, centered around the North Pole. Commonly defined by the Arctic Circle at approximately 66.5° N latitude, it consists of the Arctic Ocean surrounded by landmasses spanning eight nations. Characterized by extreme cold, seasonal sea ice, and tundra, the region strongly influences global climate and is currently experiencing rapid warming.

Did You Know?

The 1996 Ottawa Declaration established the Arctic Council as an intergovernmental forum to facilitate cooperation among Arctic states and Arctic Indigenous peoples.
Arctic amplification causes surface temperatures in the Arctic region to increase at a rate nearly four times faster than the global average.
Soils across the northern circumpolar Arctic permafrost region store roughly twice as much organic carbon as is currently present in the Earth's atmosphere.
During winter hibernation in the Arctic, the Arctic ground squirrel can lower its core body temperature below freezing during torpor without freezing solid.