The Arctic is a frozen ocean, not a frozen continent

Nature · Published 21 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: While both poles are defined by ice and extreme cold, they are fundamentally different geological structures. One is a landmass crowned in snow, while the other is a vast expanse of frozen water. Understanding these distinctions is key to grasping how life survives in the world's most hostile environments.

The distinction between the North and South Poles is a matter of geography as much as climate. The Arctic refers to the region surrounding the Earth's North Pole. Crucially, there is no large landmass at the North Pole; the white expanse seen on maps is actually frozen water. In contrast, Antarctica is a continent located at the South Pole, characterized by a massive landmass covered by a thick ice blanket. The term Arctic originates from the Greek word for bear. This linguistic connection stems from the prominent Ursa Major and Ursa minor constellations visible in the northern sky.

Environmental extremes vary significantly between the two. The South Pole is notably colder than the North Pole. Because of its ice cover, Antarctica is often referred to as the highest continent, maintaining an average surface elevation of approximately 2000 meters above sea level. Eight nations—the United States, Sweden, Russia, Norway, Iceland, Finland, Denmark, and Canada—divide the Arctic, whereas the Antarctic Treaty manages the polar region instead of one country. The Antarctic region features large mountain ranges beneath its ice. Unlike the Arctic, it is governed by a specific international treaty rather than any single nation.

Survival in these regions requires specialized biological adaptations. From the snowy forests of Siberia and the Himalayas to the frozen edges of the Southern Hemisphere, diverse wildlife must thrive in transformed landscapes. Species such as polar bear cubs, walrus calves, reindeer, penguins, red pandas, and snow monkeys have all evolved unique mechanisms to endure the transition from summer heat to the arrival of the first snowflakes. Wildlife in these regions includes lynx, wolves, and cranes. These animals must navigate snowy forests and deep oceans to survive the coldest seasons.

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