About Polar Facts
The Arctic and Antarctica look similar in photographs but are very different. One is mostly ocean surrounded by land, while the other is a continent surrounded by ocean. Their wildlife, people, climate, and geology reflect that contrast.
Opposite Geography
The Arctic is mostly ocean, while Antarctica is a continent.
Learn MoreNo Polar Bears in Antarctica
Polar bears live only in the Arctic.
Learn MoreAntarctica Is a Desert
Deserts are defined by low precipitation, not heat.
Learn MoreMost Freshwater Ice
Antarctica stores most of Earth's freshwater ice.
Learn MoreMonths of Daylight
At the poles, the Sun rises and sets only about once each year.
Learn MoreMost of an Iceberg Is Underwater
Freshwater ice is less dense than seawater.
Learn MoreThe Arctic Is Warming Rapidly
Arctic warming exceeds the global average.
Learn MorePolar Regions Are Full of Life
Cold does not mean lifeless.
Learn MoreOpposite Geography
That difference affects temperature, wildlife, human settlement, and ocean circulation.
No Polar Bears in Antarctica
Penguins occur naturally in the Southern Hemisphere, so wild polar bears and penguins never meet.
Antarctica Is a Desert
The Antarctic interior receives extremely little snowfall.
Most Freshwater Ice
If all of it melted, global sea level would rise by many tens of meters.
Months of Daylight
This creates months of continuous daylight followed by months of darkness.
Most of an Iceberg Is Underwater
Only a fraction of an iceberg usually rises above the surface.
The Arctic Is Warming Rapidly
Sea ice and snow feedbacks are important reasons.
Polar Regions Are Full of Life
Plankton, fish, birds, seals, whales, microbes, plants, and people form complex polar ecosystems.