Earth's Polar Regions
Do you wonder what Earth's Polar Regions are like? Where do polar bears live? Where do penguins swim? Why does the Sun never shine in winter in the Arctic? Why does aurora occur near the Earth’s Poles? How big are the Earth’s ice caps, and are they changing? The Earth’s Polar Regions are hosts to unique phenomena and ecosystems – both fascinating and beautiful. Explore the Earth’s Arctic and Antarctic through the links in this section.
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Explore Earth's Polar Regions
Geography and Geology at the Poles
Location The polar regions are the areas that surround Earth’s geographic North and South Poles. ...Read more
Magnetic Field at the Poles
Earth has a magnetic field. If you imagine a gigantic bar magnet inside of Earth, you'll have ...Read more
Polar Atmosphere
Phenomena in the Polar Atmosphere There are some unique phenomena that happen in the atmosphere ...Read more
Polar Oceans
There are two oceans in Earth’s polar regions: the Arctic Ocean, which occupies most of the ...Read more
Ice (The Cryosphere!)
The cryosphere includes the parts of the Earth system where water is in its frozen (solid) ...Read more
Polar Life
All sorts of living things call Earth’s polar regions home – from tiny lichens encrusting the ...Read more
Climate Change in Polar Regions
The effects of climate change are not felt with the same intensity in all parts of the world. ...Read more
Our Changing Planet
When we look around us, we can see that our planet's climate is changing rapidly. The National ...Read more
Arctic Cultures
There are people of different cultures and backgrounds who live in the Arctic region. Read ...Read more
Exploration at the Poles
Polar exploration includes the physical exploration of the Arctic and the Antarctica. The Arctic ...Read more
Postcards from the Poles
Antarctica is unique. It's cold. It's remote. And for the most part it is covered with ice. ...Read moreMore about Earth's Polar Regions
- Poles in Space
- Polar Games and Activities
- Resources for Teaching About the Poles and Cryosphere
- Polar Links
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Did you know?
Did you know that Earth is the largest and densest rocky planet in the solar system?Did you know that the Earth’s magnetic field protects us from radiation from space?
Earth and Space Science Concept of the Day
Do you know what this word or phrase means?Quaternary
xQuaternary : The Quaternary is the geologic time period comprising about the last 1.65 million years.
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Research Highlights
Scientists Find Signs of “Snowball Earth” Amidst Early Animal Evolution
Geologists have found evidence that sea ice extended to the equator 716.5 million years ago, bringing new precision to a "snowball Earth" event long suspected to have taken place around that time. Funded...Read more
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