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.
