Northern Hemisphere

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Northern Hemisphere

geography

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July 1, 2026

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The Northern Hemisphere is the half of the Earth that lies north of the Equator. This hemisphere contains about 67-68% of Earth's landmass, including North America, Europe, and most of Asia.12

The tilt of Earth's axis causes seasons. When the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, it experiences summer, with longer days and more direct sunlight, leading to warmer temperatures. Conversely, when tilted away, it experiences winter, with shorter days and less direct sunlight, resulting in colder temperatures.3

A significant portion of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly between 50° and 70° N latitude, experiences a continental subarctic climate. This climate is characterized by long, cold winters with little precipitation, and short, mild summers. Annual temperature ranges in these areas are among the largest on Earth.4

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temperate forest
Biota
…forest all occur in the Northern Hemisphere and have historical connections between them. Thus, many similarities exist among their biota. The same plant and animal genera tend to occur in all regions, although different species are found in each region. However, the European deciduous forest flora is poorer than that…
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…forest all occur in the Northern Hemisphere and have historical connections between them. Thus, many similarities exist among their biota. The same plant and animal genera tend to occur in all regions, although different species are found in each region. However, the European deciduous forest flora is poorer than that…
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global warming
Patterns of warming
…the polar region of the Northern Hemisphere largely because of the melting of sea ice and the associated reduction in surface albedo. Greater warming is predicted over land areas than over the ocean. Largely due to the delayed warming of the oceans and their greater specific heat, the Northern Hemisphere—with…
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…the polar region of the Northern Hemisphere largely because of the melting of sea ice and the associated reduction in surface albedo. Greater warming is predicted over land areas than over the ocean. Largely due to the delayed warming of the oceans and their greater specific heat, the Northern Hemisphere—with…
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permafrost
Distribution in the Northern Hemisphere
Permafrost is widespread in the northern part of the Northern Hemisphere, where it occurs in 85 percent of Alaska and 55 percent of Russia and Canada, and covers probably all of Antarctica. Permafrost is more widespread and extends to greater depths…
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Permafrost is widespread in the northern part of the Northern Hemisphere, where it occurs in 85 percent of Alaska and 55 percent of Russia and Canada, and covers probably all of Antarctica. Permafrost is more widespread and extends to greater depths…
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polar ecosystem
Polar environments
…the tundra zone in the Northern Hemisphere may extend from 55° N at the southern tip of Hudson Bay in Canada along the northern Bering Sea coast of Alaska and the Russian Far East to above 70° N on the lower Mackenzie River of Canada, along the Khatanga River of…
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…the tundra zone in the Northern Hemisphere may extend from 55° N at the southern tip of Hudson Bay in Canada along the northern Bering Sea coast of Alaska and the Russian Far East to above 70° N on the lower Mackenzie River of Canada, along the Khatanga River of…
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scrubland
Biota
The biota of Northern Hemisphere scrublands is distinct from that of the Southern Hemisphere. The wide variety of shrubs excludes proteoids, while some common groups of plants in the north such as oaks (Quercus) do not occur in the south. Other, more widespread, plant groups tend to be…
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The biota of Northern Hemisphere scrublands is distinct from that of the Southern Hemisphere. The wide variety of shrubs excludes proteoids, while some common groups of plants in the north such as oaks (Quercus) do not occur in the south. Other, more widespread, plant groups tend to be…
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taiga
…circumpolar belt of the far Northern Hemisphere. Northward beyond this limit, the taiga merges into the circumpolar tundra. The taiga is characterized predominantly by a limited number of conifer species—i.e., pine (Pinus), spruce (Picea),
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…circumpolar belt of the far Northern Hemisphere. Northward beyond this limit, the taiga merges into the circumpolar tundra. The taiga is characterized predominantly by a limited number of conifer species—i.e., pine (Pinus), spruce (Picea),
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