The refers to the polar region surrounding the North Pole, lying north of the Arctic Circle (66.5° N latitude). It is characterised by extreme cold, seasonal ice cover, and fragile ecosystems.

Geographical Extent

• Spans parts of North America, Europe, and Asia
• Includes:
  • Northern regions of Canada, Russia, Greenland, USA (Alaska), Norway, Sweden, and Finland
• The Arctic Circle forms its southern boundary

Physical Features

• Arctic Ocean: Smallest and shallowest ocean, largely ice-covered
• Sea Ice: Seasonal and multi-year ice affecting albedo and climate
• Permafrost: Permanently frozen soil underlying vast land areas
• Tundra: Treeless biome with mosses, lichens, and dwarf shrubs

Climate Characteristics

• Polar climate with extremely low temperatures
• Experiences Midnight Sun in summer and Polar Night in winter
• Low precipitation, mainly snowfall

Biodiversity

• Flora: Lichens, mosses, sedges, dwarf willows
• Fauna:
  • Polar bear
  • Arctic fox
  • Reindeer (Caribou)
  • Walrus and seals
• Ecosystems are highly sensitive and slow to recover from disturbances

Indigenous Communities

• Indigenous groups include Inuit, Sámi, and Nenets
• Livelihoods based on fishing, herding, and hunting
• Climate change threatens food security and cultural survival

Strategic and Economic Importance

• Natural resources:
  • Oil and natural gas
  • Critical minerals and rare earth elements
  • Rich fisheries
• New shipping routes:
  • Northern Sea Route (NSR) shortens Europe–Asia trade routes
• Growing geopolitical and military interest by major powers

Governance Framework

• Coordinated through the
  • Members: Canada, USA, Russia, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland
  • Focus on environmental protection and sustainable development
• Governed by UNCLOS and national jurisdictions; no comprehensive treaty like Antarctica

Arctic and Climate Change

• The Arctic is warming nearly four times faster than the global average (Arctic amplification)
• Consequences include:
  • Rapid sea-ice melt
  • Permafrost thaw releasing methane
  • Rising sea levels
  • Disruption of global atmospheric circulation and jet streams

India and the Arctic

• India is an observer in the Arctic Council
• Operates Himadri Research Station in Svalbard, Norway
• Research focus:
  • Climate change
  • Cryosphere studies
  • Impact on Indian monsoon systems

Significance

The Arctic is critical for understanding global climate dynamics, emerging geopolitical competition, environmental security, and long-term impacts on weather systems, including the Indian monsoon.