On land, you might spot reindeer, puffins or Arctic hares and foxes. The Arctic is just frozen ocean, with no land mass. The first in terms of area is almost 2 times the last. This website uses cookies to improve user experience. Want to go on a polar bear expedition? Barents died during the trip home, but many of his crew survived. Antarctica is a land mass even though much of it is buried under snow and ice. Arctic. Antarctica is colder than the Arctic and claims the coldest air temperature ever recorded on Earth: -128F (-88ºC). In the Arctic, sea ice floes are prone to bump into each other, forming thicker ice and ridges - some up to 12 to 15 feet thick. The Arctic vs. Luckily for the researchers, the earth keeps on turning, with the midnight sun period occuring in Antarctica between December and January. Both these regions are cold and are covered with ice. It took Peary eight attempts over the course of 23 years. The primary difference between the Arctic and the Antarctic is a geological one. In-between experiments, researchers can enjoy the superb Southern Lights or dig for ice to turn into shower water. Explorers in Antarctica. Arctic explorers usually cruise through the region, starting off in Norway’s Spitsbergen or Iceland’s Grimsey Island. The Arctic also boasts much more flora – nearly 1,500 difference species – than its icy southern counterpart. Flora and fauna are very different at the Poles. However, Peary's discovery in 1909 was followed by news that Dr. Frederic A. Cook had actually reached the North Pole in 1908. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Whereas the Arctic is an ocean surrounded by continents. The Arctic is not as cold as the Antarctic for two main reasons, firstly the effect of the sea that doesn't fall below -2°C which means that the whole of the arctic polar region and coastal regions are kept relatively warm even though the sea is covered by ice. William Barents, a Dutch explorer, made three voyages in search of a passage and eventually discovered Spitsbergen. To celebrate our Virtual Reality (VR) experience of Antarctica and our free exhibition Elysium Arctic, we’ve investigated exactly what makes the Arctic and Antarctica so different, and so special. The Arctic is a sea of ice surrounded by land and located at the highest latitudes of the northern hemisphere. The Arctic is at the North Pole, while the South Pole is found in Antarctica. At a glance, the two extremes of planet earth seem almost identical – cold, snowy and untamed. But the wildlife, landscape and local culture really sets the Arctic and Antarctic apart. Differences Between the Arctic and Antarctic The term "Polar Opposites" surely originated from the North Pole and South Pole, but besides being on opposite sides of the planet, there are many other less-obvious differences between the poles. Antarctica is a continent surrounded by water. Both plants use the continent’s strong winds to pollinate, as there are no insects or birds! Geography - Antarctica is a land mass, a continent. Arctic vs Antarctic Travel Seasons. However, to this day,  neither claim has been confirmed – or disproven – and both men are credited with being important Arctic explorers. While Captain James Cook and his crew crossed the Antarctic Circle in 1773, they didn't set foot on or even see the continent itself. Because the Arctic Ocean is mostly covered by ice and surrounded by land, precipitation is relatively rare. Join our exclusive newsletter for the best cruise offers and news! info@sea.museum The Arctic and Antarctica are home to some of the world’s most iconic creatures – the polar bear and the penguin. Besides tourists, Antarctica’s main residents are researchers, with up to 4,000 people moving into the various science research stations during the summer period. Not sure which polar destination is right for you? ("Perennial" refers to the oldest and thickest sea ice.) The difference between Antarctic and Antarctica stem from the fact that Antarctica is a continent within Antarctic region. Antarctica is a continent surrounded by ocean, while the Arctic is an ocean surrounded by continents. Key Difference: The most obvious difference between Antarctic and Arctic is that Antarctic is located in the southern hemisphere and encompasses the South Pole region, whereas Arctic is located in the northern hemisphere and encompasses the North Pole region. When things get too cold, the bears can dig a cosy den in the snow and cover their nose to prevent heat loss. These are called ice caps, and they are located in the very centre of the Arctic and Antarctica. But they are polar opposites – literally – and in many other ways you might not expect. While there are frequent snowstorms and plenty of icebergs through the waters of both regions, they are shaped by a unique terrain. Slideshow: 50 Years of Victory Journeys to the North Pole, Top 10 Scientific Discoveries in Antarctica. Antarctica, on the other hand, does not have a permanent human population – imagine spending all year round in those challenging temperatures! The tallest peak in Antarctica, Mount Vinson, stands at 4892m high. One of the biggest differences between the poles has to do with people that reside there. That always-frozen layer is called permafrost. The areas around the north and the south poles are called the Arctic and the Antarctic regions, respectively. Polar bear on thin pack ice at Svalbard by Andreas Jaschek. But they are polar opposites – literally – and in many other ways you might not expect. Other differences include the temperature - it is much colder in Antarctica due to the fact that it sits entirely on a very thick ice sheet. The fauna is also not the same. The temperature can dip to unimaginable lows in the winter, with the world’s coldest temperature – a bone-chilling -89.2°C – recorded at the Russian research centre in Vostok in 1983. 5 reasons Why Reindeer in the Arctic are the coolest animals! The main difference between Arctic and Antarctic is that the Arctic is a polar region on the Earth's northern hemisphere and Antarctic is a region around the Earth's South Pole. You’ll also find walruses, narwhals and six species of seals – the polar bears’ favourite prey. What’s more, whilst the Arctic ice is declining, the … Eskimo Bukta at Scoresby Sund in Greenland by David Doubilet. This results in thinner ice – usually around three to six feet thick – and more ice melt during the summer. Compared to the Arctic, Antarctic sea ice shows less variability in summer, and more variability in winter. No single country owns the North Pole, either. There’s plenty more to discover about our polar regions at the museum! The Arctic has a vibrant population of 4 million people, including more than 40 indigenous communities with diverse historical and cultural backgrounds. ADVERTISEMENT. The main difference between the Arctic and Antarctica is that the Arctic is a frozen ocean, whereas Antarctica is an actual landmass, and a continent. But there is a big difference between the two: there is sea water below the Arctic ice cap, and there is rocky mainland below the Antarctic ice cap. Austral Summer, at the Earth's southernmost point, runs from November through February. During polar night, the sun never rises, and with strong winds and extreme cold – most Antarctic bases close for the winter. Birds. Delicate Adelie penguins and proud Emperor penguins frequent the Peninsula, while Chinstrap, Gentoo and the eccentric-looking Macaroni penguin prefer the surrounding islands. Most animals in Antarctica are semiaquatic, resting on the ice before diving into the depths below to hunt for food. Early exploration of the Arctic started in the 1590s when European monarchs began their search for an alternate trading route to China. The Arctic flora is richer, and the fauna is more distinctive (many endemics) than in Antarctica. It’s easy to imagine these snow-loving animals playing together among the ice, but in reality they have never met in the wild. For those wondering what makes these polar opposites so special, here are the key differences: The Wildlife: Arctic vs Antarctica These countries are collectively known as the Arctic states. The terrain of the Arctic and Antarctica holds some major differences, most notably at the Poles themselves. Antarctica is a continent surrounded by water. Their fur is also oily and water-repellent, which helps them keep warm and shake off any excess water or ice after swimming. Arctic and Antarctic glaciers, icebergs, and other ice trivia Glaciers and icebergs represent two of the most important facets of Earth's ecosystem. Mid-December is the time when penguins begin hatching their chicks. With two layers of fur and a thick layer of fat, polar bears are able to withstand the fierce winters in the region. A region with vaguely defined limits, it extends over six countries that border the Arctic Ocean: Canada, the USA (Alaska), Denmark (Greenland), Russia, Norway and Iceland. Another difference between the Arctic and Antarctica is that Antarctica’s ice deposits equate to about three-quarters of all the planet’s fresh water supply, whereas the Arctic doesn’t have nearly as much ice. But there are other, more subtle differences between these places. Antarctica is covered with ice (and contains more than 90 percent of the Earth's ice) but, it Is technically a desert and one of the driest places on Earth. The midnight sun also contributes to the warmer temperatures, melting the sea ice. There are craggy mountain peaks and majestic glaciers aplenty, alongside the rugged Arctic tundra. So I guess that would be a main difference; they are both pretty chilly at times, long days and nights. The Arctic is covered in snow and ice during the winter periods, with temperatures in winter plunging to -20°C in some places. The Arctic and Antarctica might seem quite similar at first glance: Mountainous, snow-covered landscapes and icebergs, whales, and nesting seabirds by the tens of thousands. The Arctic Circle, the northernmost circle of latitude, cuts an invisible line through Northern Canada, Alaska, Russia, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Iceland and Greenland. According to the National Snow & Ice Data Center, the different settings on these two extreme locations create very different ice conditions. Grimsey Island, a tiny outpost in the Arctic Ocean, has a population of just 61 people. Being on opposite ends of the Earth means opposite seasons, though both regions encounter long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Of course, in the winter, nighttime lasts for six months. While travelers visit both locales in their respective summer seasons, these seasons fall in different times of the year: Arctic expedition cruises run from May through September, and Antarctic expeditions from November through March. The first difference between the Arctic and Antarctica is they’re located on opposite sides of the world. Antarctica is the earth’s southernmost and fifth-largest continent, dividing the southern waters of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The Arctic ( or ) is a polar region located at the northernmost part of Earth. While the two look the same at a simple glance, there is a great difference between the two. The difference between the Arctic and the Antarctic is simply that in the Arctic, the North Pole is located in the middle of the ocean, whereas in the Antarctic, the South Pole is located on a continent completely covered by millions of cubic metres of ice. In contrast, the Arctic is home to some 48 land mammals, from wolves and lemmings, to reindeer, Arctic foxes and, of course, the wonderful polar bear. Differences between the Arctic and Antarctica can be expressed by the following theses: The Arctic is an area of the world's oceans, and Antarctica is a continent. Download the Poseidon Expeditions brochure to get complete details on all of our Antarctic and Arctic expedition cruises. The Arctic is largely sea, with the north pole over 400 miles away from the nearest land mass. It would be many years – and many explorations – before Roald Amundsen would complete the first successful voyage through the Northwest Passage, from 1903-1905. 6 timely fun facts! Snowfall tends to be low, except near the ice edge. The Arctic is the area around the North Pole and Antarctica is the continent at the South Pole. Privacy Policy. Six indigenous organisations are listed as ‘permanent participants’ in the Arctic Council, sharing their expertise on issues such as biodiversity and climate management. December and January are the months with the most sunlight (up to 20 hours a day), and daily temperatures are at their warmest. This permafrost means that no trees can grow, giving the tundra a desolate look. The North Pole was discovered in 1909 by Robert E. Peary. Plan ahead with Our New Flexible Reservation Policy and Travel Risk-Free, Poseidon Expeditions - your polar cruise operator. Antarctica isn't home to any large land mammals whatsoever. "Of the 5.8 million square miles of sea ice that exist during winter, on average, 2.7 million square miles remain at the end of the summer melt season," the NSIDC states. The Antarctic is home to one entire continent, while the Arctic is made up of parts of eight different … Antarctic sea ice tends to be covered by thicker snow, which may accumulate to the point that the weight of snow pushes the ice below sea level, causing the snow to become flooded by salty ocean waters. The Arctic is also home to walruses and puffins - neither of which are found in Antarctica. Antarctica also stands apart thanks to its two volcanoes – Mount Erebus and Deception Island. Measuring 14 million square kilometres, the Antarctic ice sheet contains almost 99% of the world’s fresh water. … The ocean is equally rich, with 17 types of whales inhabiting Arctic waters alone. Land vs. water. The Arctic is more connected to the rest of the world – in fact, parts of the region are claimed by eight countries. It also said the global mean sea level has increased by 3.3 millimetres per year on average since 1993. Antarctica is mostly an ice sheet, with the south pole located some 800 miles from the sea. The tundra is a unique biome where dwarf shrubs, mosses and lichens flourish. The Antarctic History & … Ninety-eight per cent of Antarctica’s surface is covered by ice, with three major mountain ranges dividing the landscape to the north and south. In the Arctic, temperatures range from -40ºF (-40ºC) in the winter to as high as 50ºF (10ºC), during the summer  In addition to warmer temperatures, Arctic summers, which runs from June through September, also offer the Midnight Sun. While Antarctica is an actual continent (the fifth largest), there is no land at the North Pole, only sea ice. Polar bears are native to the Arctic region, where the cool temperatures and sea ice have adapted their appearance and hunting methods. The Arctic is absolutely teeming with wildlife. Land vs. water. The primary difference between the Arctic and Antarctica is geographical. To visit Antarctica, intrepid travellers have to conquer the infamous Drake Passage, one of the world’s choppiest stretches of ocean. Difference between Antarctic and Arctic. Depending on the weather, sunlight, or at least a lighted sky is prevalent 18-24 hours per day. One of the most basic differences between Antarctica cruises and the Arctic cruises is the travel season. Antarctica’s most famous residents, the delightfully clumsy penguins, can be easily spotted on land during the breeding season. Antarctica is a continent devoid of human settlement, except for the over 50 research stations built there by 27 different countries. The glaciers, icebergs, ice sheets, and permanent areas of snow in the polar regions (the Arctic and Antarctica) comprise 1.7% of the total water on the planet. During the summer solstice in the Arctic in June, the sun shines for 24 hours – imagine how much longer you can spend exploring with a midnight sun! Fortunately for Arctic and Antarctic travelers, all polar expeditions take place during the summer months, when the weather in the Arctic and Antarctica is quite mild! You can also take a walk along the museum’s foreshore where you’ll find Elysium Arctic, a stunning visual journey into the wonders of the Arctic. The rich knowledge held by the indigenous people help influence the decisions of the Arctic Council, an intergovernmental body of the Arctic states. © 1999-2021 Poseidon Expeditions. Tundra is land that only defrosts a tiny bit on the top during the summer, but below that stays frozen all the time. It’s extremely cold in the polar habitats. If you can get past those icy temperatures, however, the Arctic and Antarctic regions are completely unique. 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