We explain what the Arctic Ocean is, where it is located and what its extension is. Also, what are its characteristics, ocean currents and more.
What is the Arctic Ocean?
The Arctic Ocean, also called the Arctic Glacier, is the smallest and northernmost body of water on the planet. It is located in the Arctic Circle, and is surrounded by the coasts of North America, Asia and Europe. It is the coldest ocean on the planet, whose waters are covered by a huge mass of ice most of the year.
It has an approximate area of 14 million square kilometers and its average depth is 1,205 meters below sea level. Its maximum depth is in the Makarov Basinwith 4,500 meters below the surface.
Despite the extreme cold and dark conditions that prevail for much of the year, the Arctic Ocean is home to a great biodiversity, with species adapted to the frozen environmentsuch as polar bears, seals and whales.
The Arctic Ocean is particularly vulnerable to climate changesince its warming is faster than in other parts of the world. This has led to decreased sea ice, increased water temperatures and ocean acidification, which negatively affects marine life.
In recent years, the Arctic Ocean has emerged as a region of growing geopolitical importance due to the natural resources it houses and the shipping routes that are opening up as sea ice decreases as a result of climate change.
The salinity of the Arctic Ocean is the lowest of all the planet's oceans, due to the low evaporation it presents and the influx of fresh water from melting ice.
- See also: North Pole
Features of the Arctic Ocean
The main characteristics of the Arctic Ocean are:
- It is the smallest ocean on the planet, with an area of approximately 14 million square kilometers.
- It began to form 200 million years ago, with the separation of Pangea.
- Its flora and fauna are adapted to ice and low temperatures.
- It has important reserves of oil and natural gas.
Formation of the Arctic Ocean
The Arctic Ocean expanded and increased its surface area as the continents began to move apart after the breakup of Pangea. 200 million years ago, when this supercontinent existed, the Arctic Ocean was smaller than today. The drift of the continents and the formation of new ocean floor allowed this ocean to progressively increase its extension.
Additionally, during the time of Pangea, the Arctic Ocean was located at lower latitudes, and the area had a warmer climate than today. As geological time passed, the Arctic Ocean approached regions with increasingly colder climates and the temperature of its waters decreased considerably.
Arctic Ocean Climate
The Arctic Ocean has a cold polar climate, with extremely low temperatures for most of the year.. In winter, temperatures drop and reach minimums of -30 °C. These prolonged winters are characterized by causing the formation of extensive sea ice surfaces. These ices play a crucial role in the region's ecosystem, in marine life and in global climate dynamics.
In summer, temperatures rise and can reach maximums of 10 °C. During this period, sea ice partially melts, allowing navigation in some previously frozen areas.
The non-aquatic surface of the Arctic is covered with ice caps, which grow up to twice their size during the winter and are surrounded by frozen water in the summer. Beneath the ice, frozen waters remain.
Fauna and flora of the Arctic Ocean
The Arctic is inhabited by animal species adapted to the intense coldsuch as seals, sea lions, whales of various types and polar bears, the largest predators in the region. The Arctic Ocean is also abundant in krill, a small crustacean that plays a vital role at the base of the marine ecological pyramid. Species such as cod, salmon and herring also stand out, which are highly exploited by the fishing industry of nearby countries.
The animals that live there have evolutionary adaptations that allow them to survive the climatic conditions of the place. The abundant fur, thick layers of fat and thick skin allow them to keep warm, while the white color makes it easier for them to camouflage on the ice.
Vegetation in the Arctic is scarceand is mainly composed of mosses, lichens and phytoplankton.
Natural resources of the Arctic Ocean
The Arctic Ocean has important reserves of oil and natural gas on its continental shelves. Countries such as Russia, Norway, Canada, Denmark and the United States have interests in its exploitation, and oil companies from these nations extract these resources from the ocean.
Additionally, the Arctic Ocean contains a variety of valuable mineralssuch as gold, silver, zinc and nickel. The exploitation of these minerals is also used by nearby countries, especially Russia, which is an important producer and exporter of these resources.
Likewise, the Arctic Ocean is highly exploited for its fishing resources. Species such as cod, salmon and herring stand out. Countries such as Norway, Russia, Iceland and Canada are the main producers and exporters of these species in the world.
Arctic Ocean Pollution
Oil exploitation on the Arctic continental shelf has generated severe water pollution problems.. Oil spills and the release of chemical contaminants produced by oil activity have impacted marine biodiversity and generated changes in the chemical composition of water. This has increasingly significant consequences for fishing activity, which represents an important part of the income of the countries in the region.
Additionally, climate change is causing water temperatures in the Arctic to rise. The melting of the polar caps that float on the ocean waters impacts marine lifeespecially on those animals that depend on ice to live. Likewise, increased temperatures alter the migration patterns and behavior of marine fauna, which has consequences on their development and reproduction.
References
- Iniseg. (2020). The Arctic: geopolitical war for oil and gas resources. https://www.iniseg.es/
- National Geographic. (2010). Oceans. https://www.nationalgeographic.es/
- Portillo, G. (2023). What are marine currents and how are they formed?. Network Meteorology. https://www.meteorologiaenred.com/
- Complutense University of Madrid. (sf). The Arctic, the hottest spot of climate change. ucm.es/data/cont/docs/
- Environmental impact
- Indian Ocean
- Pacific Ocean
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