ARCTIC CIRCLES Meaning and
Definition
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The Arctic Circle is an imaginary line of latitude that encompasses the region around the North Pole. It is defined as the parallel of latitude at approximately 66.5 degrees north of the Equator. At this latitude, the sun remains above the horizon for 24 hours during the summer solstice (around June 21) and below the horizon for 24 hours during the winter solstice (around December 21). This phenomenon is due to the tilt of Earth's axis, which causes the polar regions to experience extreme variations in daylight hours throughout the year.
The Arctic Circle is situated in the high northern latitudes and spans across several countries, including the northern portions of Canada, Greenland (an autonomous territory of Denmark), Russia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the United States (the state of Alaska). The region within the Arctic Circle is characterized by frigid temperatures, vast ice expanses, and a unique ecosystem adapted to the extreme conditions. It is home to iconic wildlife species such as polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, and various species of seals.
In addition to its ecological significance, the Arctic Circle also holds strategic importance due to its rich mineral and energy resources. Growing concerns over climate change and the melting of the Arctic ice have amplified the global focus on the region, as it encompasses a fragile environment that is experiencing accelerated rates of change, impacting both local communities and the global climate system.
Common Misspellings for ARCTIC CIRCLES
- zrctic circles
- srctic circles
- wrctic circles
- qrctic circles
- aectic circles
- adctic circles
- afctic circles
- atctic circles
- a5ctic circles
- a4ctic circles
- arxtic circles
- arvtic circles
- arftic circles
- ardtic circles
- arcric circles
- arcfic circles
- arcgic circles
- arcyic circles
- arc6ic circles
- arc5ic circles
Etymology of ARCTIC CIRCLES
The word "Arctic" comes from the Greek word "arktos", meaning "bear". This term was likely derived from the constellation Ursa Major (the Great Bear), which is prominent in the northern sky. The "Arctic Circle" refers to a specific latitude line (approximately 66.5 degrees north) encircling the Earth, beyond which the sun does not rise or set on specific dates during the year, creating a polar day and polar night phenomenon. The word "circle" in this context refers to the circular path that this line traces on the globe.
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