The difference between the Arctic and Antarctic is not immediately apparent, as both are huge ice masses. But beneath the ice, it becomes clear what distinguishes the two phenomena from each other.
The difference between the Arctic and Antarctic
The Earth has ice caps at both its southernmost and northernmost points: the polar regions. The Arctic is located in the north, and the Antarctic in the south of the planet.
Unlike Antarctica, the Arctic is not a continent. Instead, the term refers to the Arctic Ocean, which is surrounded by land. It is an almost completely enclosed ocean basin.
The ocean is covered by a layer of ice several meters thick, which has been constantly changing since its formation around a million years ago. The Arctic therefore has no solid ground, but consists only of ice.
The Arctic Circle runs largely over land and through forests, tundra, and settlements. Almost four million people live in the Arctic. It also provides a habitat for many animal species, such as polar bears, arctic foxes, snow hares, narwhals, walruses, and harp seals.
Antarctica is a continent
While the Arctic consists only of floating ice, Antarctica forms a continent.
Antarctica has a solid land mass called Antarctica. It is surrounded by the Southern Ocean.
Antarctica is also significantly colder than the Arctic. The Antarctic Circle runs mainly through water. Penguins, seals, leopard seals, orcas, blue whales, albatrosses, and many other animal species live in Antarctica.
