The Arctic Ocean, located mostly in the north polar region, is the smallest of all the Oceans. It can be defined as the body of water between Europe, Asia, and North America. It is the shallowest Ocean and temperature, as well as salinity, varies with the seasons, as the ice melts or freezes.

Ice covers most of the ocean surface all year, resulting in sub-freezing temperatures. Most of the world’s very cold air comes from the Arctic. When this cold air moves towards the equator, it meets warmer air, thus causing rain and snow. The Arctic Ocean is an important base for floating research stations, which are operated by the USA and Russia.

What Can You Find There?

Marine mammals, Fish, Oil and Gas fields, Placer deposits, Sand and gravel aggregates

Issues of Concern in the Arctic Ocean

- endangered species : walruses, whales

- thinning polar icepack

- seasonal hole in ozone layer in the North Pole