In the Arctic tundra, there are polar bears, foxes, and reindeer. Arctic parklands contain many large, open river systems, that meander through broad valleys and contain numerous side channels and sloughs, including the Noatak and Kobuk rivers that drain west into the Kotzebue Sound and the Chukchi Sea. The ecosystem of the Arctic Ocean is fragile and is easily disrupted by climate change. The arctic tundra is a harsh environment that only the toughest plants and animals can survive in. The males of a fascinating creature found only in the Arctic, the narwhal, has a long straight tusk that can grow to over three meters in length (hence the nickname, the “unicorn of the sea.”) The tusk is actually an enlarged tooth, with sensory abilities. It covers about 20% of Earth's surface. Despite its unique landscapes and marine … Due to seasonal warming, Arctic sea ice covers less area in the summer than in the winter. These are the facts: Melting ice speeds up climate change. Without urgent action to cut greenhouse gas emissions, the world will continue to feel the effects of a warming Arctic: rising sea levels, changes in climate and precipitation patterns, increasing severe weather events, and loss of fish stocks, birds and marine mammals. Can those future changes in the Arctic climate be prevented? The ecosystem of the Arctic Ocean is fragile and is easily disrupted by climate change. The varied landscapes of the Arctic provide for a variety of ecosystems. Just enter your email address to join. The total surface area of the Arctic Ocean is 6 million mi. Antarctica is the highest, whitest, driest, coldest and windiest continent on Earth. Scientists study large marine creatures like Adélie penguins and Weddell seals, but they are also interested in really small benthic marine organisms. Rivaled only by the Kodiak brown bears native to southwestern Alaska, polar bears are classified as the largest land carnivores in the world and sit proudly at the top of the food chain with a vital role in their icy Arctic ecosystem. The Arctic has many endemic species- meaning species that are not found anywhere else- most of which … 2. In some cases, these coastal cities could be completely underwater. This loss will eventually result in incredibly severe complications, negatively affecting the planet’s health, its general climate and subsistence of all ecosystems. Arctic cod feed on them. The food chain begins with algae and other tiny organisms that live on and within the sea ice. Fun Arctic Facts for Kids. Winter temperatures can drop below −50 °C; Polar bears live in the Arctic, near the North Pole; In total, only about 4 million people live in the arctic; The Arctic region is home to the North Pole Many of the tributaries to these rivers originate in the Brooks Range as clear … During the short polar summer, plants use the long hours of sunlight to quickly develop and produce flowers and seeds. It is a keystone species in Arctic marine ecosystems. Below are some really neat facts about the arctic tundra! The frigid Arctic region interacts with warmer southern regions of the world, bringing massive cold air to the south in the winter, while warm winds from the south travel north. When these layers thaw, the carbon contained within the permafrost is released from the soil (along with small amounts of methane) into the atmosphere. The Arctic Ocean is the shallowest ocean in the world. These large marine mammals, who move easily between ice, water and land, are part of the diverse fauna of the Arctic Ocean.. What keeps this marine ecosystem going are organisms you can't see with the naked eye: microscopic phytoplankton and ice algae. Algae grow within these channels and form the base of the food chain. A picture of two orca whales swimming in the Arctic Ocean. Subjects. In the most part, no, since the warming over the next few decades is already locked into the climate system. Check out our fun arctic facts for kids and enjoy learning a range of interesting information about the Arctic region. Flowers of some plants are cup-shaped and direct the sun’s rays toward the center of the flower. It is made up of the Arctic Ocean and areas of … When the snow melts, the tough grasses, mosses, and small shrubs have a short, quick growing season. The walrus was once threatened by commercial hunting, but today the biggest danger it faces is climate change. Antarctica is a vast ice-covered landmass surrounded by sea (unlike the Arctic, which is an ice-covered ocean surrounded by land). 1.1 The world’s climate is changing.On average, the temperature on the Earth’s surface has increased by 0.6°C (1°F) over the last two centuries. Carbon also cycles through the web from atmosphere to seawater and back. Almost all tundras are located in the Arctic in the Northern Hemisphere. Most of the small plants and thick-haired animals, such as musk ox, in the region live on this land. … The massive amount of ice creates a giant frozen reservoir that keeps the region cool by reflecting sunlight, and, more importantly, stabilizes our global climate. Scientists usually define the Arctic as the area above the ‘Arctic Circle’ — an imaginary line that circles around the top of the globe. Further out are the northern tips of the continents and the large island of Greenland. Search Submit Search. Read on and enjoy learning some cool facts related to the Arctic. It is a keystone species in Arctic marine ecosystems. Read more. Download and print your favorite marine ecosystem drawings and color … Estimates claim that climate change could cause the Arctic Ocean to be ice free during the summer by 2040. Orca/Killer Whale (Orcinus Orca)-One of the most efficient hunters in the Arctic Ocean, these organisms are the apex predators in their ecosystem, lacking natural predators in their habitat. Sea ice is to the Arctic ecosystem what soil is to the forest. There is a large amount of variability in climate across the Arctic, but all regions experience extremes of solar radiation in both summer and winter. It is the 5th largest continent in the world and is also the coldest, driest, most windiest location on earth. Antarctica has marine ecosystems and terrestrial (land-based) ecosy… FEATURED Our Planet: The story behind the walruses. Recieve fun facts in your inbox every Monday! Antarctica is a Greek word that means ' opposite of the north'. The freshwater dumped into the world’s ocean by melting ice in the Arctic Ocean can cause a lot of issues. This is due to the large flow of freshwater into the Arctic Ocean and its low rate of evaporation. There are six countries that have a border along the Arctic Ocean. Further out are the northern tips of the continents and the large island of Greenland. From enormous musk oxen and caribou to lemmings, Arctic hares and snowy owls, wildlife teems throughout the region. This vast landscape contains five ecological regions: from the southern boundaries of the boreal forest to the forest-tundra transition of the Brooks Range northward to the alpine tundra and then along the coast to the coastal plain tundra, salt marshes, lagoons and Arctic beaches. The climate within the Circle is very cold and much of the area is always covered with ice. Belugas play an important role in the Arctic ecosystem by eating abundant marine species that would otherwise run rampant. Life in the Arctic includes zooplankton and phytoplankton, fish and marine mammals, birds, land animals, plants and human societies. Tundra is known for large stretches of bare ground and rock and for patchy mantles of low vegetation such as mosses , lichens , herbs, and small shrubs. A picture of a boat sailing through the Arctic Ocean. Unlike the mighty white sperm whale of Moby Dick fame, Belugas are relatively unacknowledged, petite Arctic whales, ranging from about 13 to 20 feet. Estimates claim that climate change could cause the Arctic Ocean to be ice free during the summer by 2040. As part of our countdown to the day, staff scientist Alysa McCall shares nine key facts about Arctic sea ice: 1. Here is a look at the animals that play a major role in keeping the Arctic ecosystem alive. Arctic Ecosystem Coloring Page. It can survive frigid temperatures as low as –58°F with its uniquely adapted furry soles, short ears, and tiny muzzle. Algae feed the tiny … The total volume of the Arctic Ocean is 160.7 million mi. Tundra is a vast and treeless land. However, small tundra-like areas exist in Antarctica in the Southern Hemisphere. In the summer months … Copyright © 2021 Facts Just for Kids. The Arctic's ecosystems are important for both their provisioning services (e.g., food) and their regulatory services (e.g., drawdown and storage of atmospheric carbon). However, small tundra-like areas exist in Antarctica in the Southern Hemisphere. Global warming is causing Arctic ice to melt – ice reflects sunlight, while water absorbs it. Due to global warming, however, permafrost layers are beginning to thaw all over the globe, and more rapidly than previously thought at the Arctic. The Arctic is located at the northernmost part of Earth; The name ‘Arctic’ comes from a Greek word meaning ‘bear’. … Although a polar bear’s fur appears white, it’s actually nearly transparent, and only appears white thanks to the reflection of the sun off the ice. Biology, Earth Science, Oceanography. And the Arctic helps to regulate the world’s temperature, so as more Arctic ice melts the warmer our world becomes. What happens in the Arctic does not stay in the Arctic. At the North Pole, there are almost six months of continuous daylight, although it stays darker longer in the winter. It occupies approximately one … The Arctic is a polar region located at the northernmost part of the Earth. The Arctic is a harsh and fragile ecosystem populated by some of the most adaptable creatures on the planet. Junior Explorers teaches kids all about the different ecosystems and the animals who inhabit it thru monthly missions delivered right to your door. The Arctic is not as cold as the Antarctic for two main reasons, firstly the effect of the sea that doesn't fall below -2°C which means that the whole of the arctic polar region and coastal regions are kept relatively warm even though the sea is covered by ice. Two of the three research themes supported by Antarctica New Zealand involve protection, conservation and management of Antarctic ecosystems. All Rights Reserved. The Arctic Ocean contains 1.4% of all the world’s ocean water. The Arctic region is found in the northernmost … They only turn white at the age of five, when they reach sexual maturity. That's a region bigger than Europe. Freshwater Ecosystems Large Rivers. Arctic animals: facts Compared to the South Pole, where climatic conditions are harsher, the North Pole holds greater biodiversity. The Antarctic ecosystem is located in Antarctica. Arctic Animals List with Pictures & Facts: Discover Amazing Animals that Live in the Arctic & Sub-Arctic April 30, 2019 January 1, 2019 by admin The Arctic is a hostile environment, yet the species on this Arctic animals list are able to live either on the frozen tundra or in the icy waters that surround the North Pole. 10 Facts About The Animals Who Live In The Arctic Biome The Arctic is the natural habitat of many animals including Lemming, Snowy Owl, Walrus, Arctic Fox and Polar Bear. The climate of the planet could change as the salinity levels of the world’s oceans drop as ice melts in the Arctic Ocean, which would affect global ocean current patterns. Here are 10 facts about this remarkable part of the Arctic ecosystem: Sea ice is as important to the Arctic ecosystem as soil is to a forest. The Arctic is a circle of land masses intermingled by the Arctic Ocean, while Antarctica is a solid island of ice. Take this opportunity to learn more interesting yet fascinating facts about the marine ecosystem in the coldest place on earth! Arctic cod feed on them. Location: Antarctica. However, substantial cuts in GHG … The Arctic consists of the Arctic Ocean and parts of Canada, Russia, the USA, Greenland, Norway, Finland, Sweden and Iceland. Arctic ecosystems will face significant stresses and disruptions. Cities near the coast will be at risk of flooding as ice melts in the Arctic Ocean. Pre-K, K, 1 - 5. There, you’ll find one day per year that’s entirely dark, and another full of only sunshine—usually at the summer solstice, around the 23rd of June. Arctic changes will affect sources and sinks of important greenhouse gases (methane in particular). Knowledge of megafauna like seals is … Interested in some lesser-known Polar Bear Facts? The Arctic around the North Pole is mostly ocean. The Arctic Ocean can reach remarkably chilly temperatures, as low as -1°C—which would be cold enough to freeze water, were it not for the water's high salt content. Add 24 hours of darkness during the winter months, and it’s a wonder anything lives there. These amazing sea creatures can hit weights of up to 4200 pounds and grow to lengths around 17 feet. The ground is often … The newly-thawed soil can also be unstable, contributing to sinkholes and shifting landscapes. The surface temperature of the Arctic Ocean is just above the freezing point of seawater at 28.8 °F. An ecosystem is an interacting system made up of animals, plants, microorganisms and the physical and chemical environment they live in. The Arctic around the North Pole is mostly ocean. Many species living here have evolved special adaptations to live in the harsh environment. The Arctic is not as cold as the Antarctic for two main reasons, firstly the effect of the sea that doesn't fall below -2°C which means that the whole of the arctic polar region and coastal regions are kept relatively warm even though the sea is covered by ice. The symbol of the Arctic is often the polar bear, the pole's cute yet fearsome top predator. The Arctic Ocean is the smallest of all five oceans. Consider that Arctic ice contains around 10 percent of the world’s fresh water and covers 5.4 million square miles. It’s bigger than Europe, and in summer, it's still 62 times the size of the UK! 1. The Arctic Ocean has the lowest salinity levels of all five major oceans. However, in reality, it's not. Snow covers the ground for nine months of the year when plants cannot grow. The northern polar region is called the Arctic, and in the south the polar region is the continent of Antarctica. Arctic facts for kids. The Arctic Ocean borders the Arctic and borders Eurasia and North America. Context - Our climate is already changing, particularly in the Arctic where permafrost is melting, glaciers are receding, and sea ice is disappearing.. Changes in the Arctic will not only affect local people and ecosystems but also the rest of the world, because the Arctic plays a … The total coastline of the Arctic Ocean is 28,203 miles. It’s so cold that creatures often retreat to the sea to warm up. Polar bears rely on sea ice to efficiently catch their seal … Though the landscape of the Arctic seems harsh and unfriendly to animals and plant life, more than 1700 species of plants, algae, fungi and lichens live and grow there. The Arctic region is a unique area among Earth's ecosystems. The food chain begins with algae and other tiny organisms that live on and within the sea ice. https://patreon.com/freeschool - Help support more content like this!The Arctic is an amazing place! The North Pole, the most northern point of Earth’s axis of rotation, is in the Arctic Ocean. Antarctica is the world’s highest, driest, windiest and coldest continent. The Arctic includes the peaks of the Brooks mountain range in western North America, the enormous Greenland ice sheet, the isolated islands of the Svalbard archipelago, … Because of the Earth’s tilt, Arctic day and night are topsy turvy. Between Canada and Greenland lies the most biologically productive ecosystem north of the Arctic Circle: an 85,000-square-kilometer (32,800-square-mile) region of ocean known in Greenland as Pikialasorsuaq (the Great Upwelling) and in Canada as Sarvarjuaq. Arctic Animals List with Pictures & Facts: Discover Amazing Animals that Live in the Arctic & Sub-Arctic April 30, 2019 January 1, 2019 by admin The Arctic is a hostile environment, yet the species on this Arctic animals list are able to live either on the frozen tundra or in the icy waters that surround the North Pole. And polar bears prey on seals. You won’t find much plant life, or reptiles either, but it’s far from a barren landscape. Here are 10 facts about this remarkable part of the Arctic ecosystem: Sea ice is as important to the Arctic ecosystem as soil is to a forest. Plankton As in most marine environments, phytoplankton (microscopic animals that live in the oceans) are the key food source for many Arctic species, including krill and fish, species that then become food sources for animals further up the chain. Twitter; Facebook; Pinterest; Google Classroom; Email; Print; Background Info. The cultures in the region and the Arctic indigenous peoples have adapted to its cold and extreme conditions. Here are 10 facts from Polar Bears International about this remarkable part of the Arctic ecosystem Sea ice is as important to the Arctic ecosystem as soil is to a forest. Contents. The Arctic Ocean has the coldest temperatures of all five major oceans. 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The coldest temperatures of all the five major oceans: the story behind the walruses arctic ecosystem facts! 28,203 miles of America it thru monthly missions delivered right to your door, a.

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