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Polar Climate Facts

When you hear the word “polar”, you most likely think of polar bears or the North Pole.

You might also think of freezing temperatures, snow up to your ears, and so much ice that you need ice skates to get around!

All of this is correct. But there is so much more to polar climates than that!

polar-bear-facts

Where are Polar Climates Found?

Polar climates are found at the very top of the earth, near Canada, Greenland, and Siberia, as well as at the very bottom of the earth, in Antarctica.

Because these areas are so cold, there are not very many people living there. Would you want to live in a place where there is complete darkness for over half of the year?!

What Type of Weather Do Polar Climates Have?

Polar climates are almost always covered with snow and have extremely cold temperatures.

The temperature rarely rises above the freezing point and often sits far below zero, way colder than the winters you might be used to!

ice sheets

Because the sun is so far away from both the North and South Poles, areas in polar climates never have a chance to thaw out or melt.

This means that ice in these places can be several miles thick. Now that would be one crazy ice rink!

What Kinds of Animals Live Here?

Since the weather is so so cold, there are not very many animals that live in these polar climates.

Animals that live in these areas have adapted over the years to survive in freezing temperatures, tons of snow, and strong, blowing winds.

old-snowman

The most well-known animal that lives in polar climates is the polar bear, a huge mammal that has a thick layer of body fat and a fur coat that is water-repellent to protect it from freezing waters.

They are amazing swimmers and use their large front paws to help them move in the water, much like how you use your hands to help you swim!

Polar bears have a diet that consists mostly of seals because they need to eat large amounts of fat to survive.

Another common animal that has learned how to survive in this cold climate is the Arctic fox. The Arctic fox is a carnivore, or an animal that eats meat, that mostly eats small rodents, such as lemmings.

It relies on these to survive because it lives inland, away from the coast and water.

Arctic fox
Arctic fox

If the food it usually eats starts running out, it will move closer to the water and hunt sea birds, fish, and other marine life.

It has a thick fur coat that is white, which helps it to stay warm, as well as hide from predators.

Imagine your thickest and warmest winter coat – that is what the Arctic fox’s fur coat is like!

Things that Can Hurt the Polar Climates

There are many things that threaten the polar region, but the biggest of these is climate change, which is when the temperature of the earth gets hotter.

As the temperature of the earth continues to rise, the ice in the polar areas melts, which makes the land and coastlines get smaller.

planets-orbiting-sun

Think of it as ice in your glass of water melting. Since this is where polar bears, seals, and other animals in this climate live, they are losing their homes and their entire species is being threatened.

Penguins living in the Antarctica region are also losing their environment as the polar ice caps melt.

Antarctica

Another threat to the polar climate is overfishing. Overfishing is when humans take fish out of the water faster than they can reproduce and grow.

This results in fewer fish in the water and doesn’t allow them the time they need to naturally complete their lifecycle.

Some types of fish have been so overfished that their entire species is in danger of becoming endangered or wiped out completely.

swordfish for kids

Pollution of the waters in polar regions is another threat to the lands and animals that live there.

Whether it’s garbage, oil, gas, or other marine debris, this has horrible effects on every type of animal and fish in the water and those that depend on clean, habitable water.

pollution

Marine life can get tangled in the garbage that is floating in the water, and polar bears can be affected when they eat fish that have come into contact with polluted water.

Humans can also be infected by toxic chemicals when they eat food that is from these areas.

polar bear cubs

Quick Facts about the Polar Climate

The parts of the world where a polar climate exists include Canada, Siberia, and Antarctica.

The weather is extremely cold for most of the year.

The land is covered in thick sheets of ice.

Common animals that live here are polar bears, arctic foxes and arctic wolves, seals, and small rodents.

seals

The biggest threats to this region include: climate change, overfishing, and pollution.

The polar climate is full of wildlife, extreme weather, and unique landscapes.

These areas of the world may not be inhabited with many people, but they are vital to our ecosystem and the world as a whole.

The strong animals that have adapted to this severe climate play an important role in nature and have proven they can withstand the coldest of temperatures.

old-snowman

The polar climate is an amazing aspect of life on Earth that needs to be respected and protected.

Earth Science

earth-atmosphere

Conclusion

In conclusion, exploring the polar climate is an exciting adventure for kids, offering a unique understanding of Earth’s extremes. The facts presented in this article shed light on the harsh conditions, fascinating wildlife, and important role of polar regions in our planet’s climate system. By learning about the polar climate, children can develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the need for its preservation. Let these facts inspire young minds to protect and conserve these fragile environments for generations to come.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What are some of the challenges scientists face when studying the polar climate?

For scientists, examining the arctic environment presents a number of difficulties. The arctic areas’ inhospitableness and isolation present a significant obstacle. Long-term study is challenging due to the intense cold, powerful gusts, and little daylight.

Logistics are a problem as well because it takes specialised vehicles and equipment to reach these isolated locations. The polar regions are also very extensive, making it difficult and expensive to collect data over such a wide area.

In order to effectively understand and anticipate climate trends, scientists must constantly update their study methodologies and models due to the changing nature of the polar environment brought on by global warming.

2. How do animals survive in the harsh conditions of the polar regions?

Polar animals have developed specialised adaptations to withstand the bitter cold. Many animals have blubber or fat layers that are thick to act as insulation and as energy reserves.

To reduce heat loss, they have additional unique adaptations including short ears and tails. Furthermore, their feathers or hair make excellent insulation.

In order to stay warm, certain animals, like polar bears, have a coating of translucent fur. Others, like penguins, are protected from the frigid water by a coating of waterproof feathers.

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