What is the Difference Between Arctic and Antarctic?

The Arctic and Antarctic are two distinct regions located at the opposite ends of the Earth, and they have several key differences:

1. Geography: The Arctic is an ocean surrounded by land, while Antarctica is a continent covered by a thick ice cap and surrounded by a rim of sea ice and the Southern Ocean.
2. Location: The Arctic is situated north of the Arctic Circle (66 degrees 33 minutes north), while Antarctica is located south of the Antarctic Circle (66 degrees 33 minutes south).
3. Landmass: The Arctic comprises the Arctic Ocean and land belonging to the northern parts of Scandinavia, Russia, Greenland, Canada, and the US. In contrast, Antarctica is a continent that is 98% covered by a thick ice cap, with mountains as high as 4,892 m (16,050 feet).
4. Sea Ice: Arctic sea ice is thinner and more sensitive to climate changes than Antarctica's sea ice. Sea ice in the Arctic doesn't move as much across the surface as in Antarctica, and some of it can sustain for up to 10 years.
5. Wildlife: Iconic wildlife in the Arctic includes polar bears, walruses, and seals, while Antarctica is home to penguins, seals, and various seabirds.
6. Inhabitants: The Arctic has around 4 million people living in the region, while Antarctica has no permanent inhabitants, with only researchers and scientists working in temporary research bases.
7. Treaty Status: The Arctic is governed by the eight countries present in the region (Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, the US, Canada, Denmark, and Iceland), while Antarctica is governed by 54 nations under the Antarctic Treaty.
8. Visiting Season: The prime time to visit the Arctic is from May to September, while the best time to visit Antarctica is from October to April.

Comparative Table: Arctic vs Antarctic

The Arctic and Antarctic share some similarities but also have significant differences. Here is a table summarizing their characteristics:

The most significant difference between the Arctic and Antarctic is their geographical structure. The Arctic is a sea of ice surrounded by land, while the Antarctic is a landmass surrounded by the sea. This fundamental difference results in various distinctions in their climate, ice formation, and terrain.