What kind of ecosystem is in the Arctic?

The Arctic consists of taiga (or boreal forest) and tundra biomes, which also dominate very high elevations, even in the tropics. Sensitive ecosystems exist throughout the Arctic region, which are being impacted dramatically by global warming.

What makes the Arctic ocean unique?

The Arctic Ocean is unique. It is the most extreme ocean in regard to the seasonality of light and its year-round existing ice cover. Arctic seas hold a multitude of unique life forms highly adapted in their life history, ecology and physiology to the extreme and seasonal conditions of this environment.

What are 3 interesting facts about the Arctic ocean?

The Arctic Ocean encompasses an area of 5,427,000 square miles. This is almost the same size as Russia. The North Pole is located in the Arctic Circle. Three types of ice cover the Arctic Ocean including polar ice, fast ice, and pack ice.

Is the Arctic ocean saltwater or freshwater?

The Arctic Ocean is a very fresh ocean. This is because most of the Russian rivers drain to the north; also, there are large riverine inputs from North America and there are relatively fresh ocean waters that flow northward through Bering Strait from the North Pacific Ocean.

Why do arctic ecosystems dependent on marine ecosystems?

Conversely, the Arctic Ocean receives waters from the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, and therefore Arctic marine ecosystems are influenced by global changes that influence biodiversity in these oceans. The Arctic is subject to rapid environmental changes.

Are there forest in the Arctic?

In the Arctic, huge forests cover areas of seasonally frozen ground. The forests are called boreal forests. Sometimes they are called taiga, the Russian word for swampy, moist forest. Typically, trees in the boreal forest are conifers.

Can you swim in Arctic Ocean?

My own answer as follows: The beach of Ягры, Северодвинск, Russia allow you to swim in Arctic Ocean’s White Sea while overlooking occassional nuclear submarines passing by. I have been there and it’s very possible to swim, even if waters are not very warm.

What is the closest country to the Arctic?

The Canadian territory of Nunavut lies closest to the North Pole. Greenland, the world’s largest island and an independent country within the Kingdom of Denmark, is also close to the pole.

Why is the Arctic so special?

The Arctic is the most unusual region on our planet and it is not surprising that it is called enigmatic and mysterious, because this region is hiding many miracles. The Arctic has a unique nature – the giant expanses of ice and snow, huge icebergs of the most incredible and bizarre forms, drifting in the arctic seas.

What is the coldest sea on earth?

The Arctic Ocean
The Arctic Ocean is the smallest, shallowest, and coldest part of the ocean.

Are there fish at the North Pole?

Fish. The artic grayling, a favorite of anglers, is one of the most abundant fish species found near the North Pole. Arctic char, lake trout, rainbow trout and salmon along with northern pike, whitefish, burbot and sheefish are also commonly found in the lakes around the arctic circle.

What are some abiotic factors in the Arctic?

Abiotic factors affecting life in the polar regions include temperature, sunlight and precipitation. The top layer of the ground remains frozen year-round, which prevents the growth of plants with deep roots such as trees.

What is the largest animal in the Arctic Ocean?

Polar bear is the famous inhabitant of the Arctic Ocean. Polar bears are known as the largest terrestrial mammals. Though they are born on land, they also spend most of their time on the sea. They can be found in and on top of the Arctic Ocean.

What animals are in the Arctic Ocean?

Some of the most common animals found living at the Arctic Ocean include: walruses, polar bears, arctic foxes, seals, brown bears, Beluga whales, arctic wolves, Bowhead whales, and Narwhals. Polar bears, for example, depend on the thick ice covering the Arctic Ocean in order to reach its primary prey, the seal.

How is the Arctic Ocean different from other oceans?

There are four reasons why the Arctic Ocean is distinct from other oceans and critical to our planet’s survival: First, while this relatively small (by ocean standards) marine environment holds only 1% of the world’s ocean volume and occupies only 3% of the world’s ocean surface area, its impact on the global climate system is disproportionately large.

What is the weather like in the Arctic Ocean?

The Arctic Ocean is in a polar climate. Winters are characterized by the polar night, cold and stable weather conditions, and clear skies. The temperature of the surface of the Arctic Ocean is fairly constant, near the freezing point of seawater.