Arctic Polar Biome
The Arctic Polar Biome is one of the coldest and harshest environments on Earth. It is home to a variety of species that have adapted to the extreme conditions, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, and walruses. The Arctic Polar Biome is also an important part of the global climate system, playing a critical role in regulating Earth’s temperature and weather patterns.
What is Latitude?
Latitude is a measure of how far north or south a point on Earth is from the Equator. It is measured in degrees, with 0 degrees being the Equator and 90 degrees being the North or South Pole. Latitude is important for understanding the distribution of climate zones and for navigation.
Definition of Arctic Polar Biome
The Arctic Polar Biome is a region around the North Pole that is characterized by cold temperatures, long periods of darkness, and a lack of vegetation. It includes areas of tundra, sea ice, and open ocean. The Arctic Polar Biome is home to a variety of species that have adapted to the harsh conditions, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, and walruses.
Location of Arctic Polar Biome
The Arctic Polar Biome is located around the North Pole, between the Arctic Circle and the North Pole. It includes parts of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, and Iceland. The Arctic Polar Biome covers an area of approximately 14.05 million square kilometers.
The Arctic Circle
The Arctic Circle is an imaginary line that circles the Earth at approximately 66.5 degrees north latitude. It marks the southernmost point at which the sun remains above the horizon for 24 hours during the summer solstice and below the horizon for 24 hours during the winter solstice.
The Longitude of the Arctic Circle
The longitude of the Arctic Circle varies depending on the Earth’s axial tilt. Currently, the longitude of the Arctic Circle is approximately 20 degrees east of the Prime Meridian, which runs through Greenwich, England.
The Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn
The Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn are imaginary lines that circle the Earth at approximately 23.5 degrees north and south latitude, respectively. They mark the northernmost and southernmost points at which the sun appears directly overhead during the summer solstice.
The Equator
The Equator is an imaginary line that circles the Earth at 0 degrees latitude. It marks the point at which the Earth’s rotation axis is perpendicular to the plane of its orbit around the sun.
Latitude and Temperature
Latitude is an important factor in determining the temperature of a region. As a general rule, temperatures decrease as you move away from the Equator towards the poles. This is because the angle at which the sun’s rays strike the Earth’s surface changes with latitude, leading to differences in the amount of solar radiation absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere.
Climate in the Arctic Polar Biome
The climate in the Arctic Polar Biome is characterized by long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Average temperatures in the winter months can drop below -30°C (-22°F), while summer temperatures rarely exceed 10°C (50°F). The Arctic Polar Biome is also subject to strong winds, snowstorms, and blizzards.
Conclusion: Latitude and Arctic Biome
In conclusion, the Arctic Polar Biome is located around the North Pole at high latitudes. Latitude plays an important role in determining the climate and temperature of the region, with the Arctic Polar Biome experiencing some of the coldest and harshest conditions on Earth. Understanding the relationship between latitude and climate is essential for studying the Arctic Polar Biome and the global climate system as a whole.
References
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National Geographic Society. (n.d.). Arctic Ocean: Facts, Location, Map. National Geographic.
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NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research. (n.d.). Arctic Polar Biome. NOAA. https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/arctic-biome.html
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World Wildlife Fund. (n.d.). Arctic. WWF.
