Pronunciation: [ˈɑːktɪk sˈɜːkə͡l] (IPA) 
The Arctic Circle is a circle of latitude that is located near the Earth's North Pole. It is spelled with a "c" and not an "s" because it comes from the Greek word "arktikos," which means "of the bear." The "c" in "arctic" is pronounced like an "s," which is why the word is transcribed as /ˈɑrk.tɪk/. While the Arctic Circle may be cold and frigid, its spelling is not too difficult to remember once you know its origin.
The Arctic Circle refers to an imaginary line encircling the Earth's northernmost portion, located at approximately 66.5 degrees latitude north. It marks the region where the Sun remains continuously above or below the horizon for at least one full day during the year, depending on the season. This phenomenon, called the midnight sun during the summer solstice, allows areas within the Arctic Circle to experience daylight for 24 hours straight, while during the winter solstice, these areas endure the polar night, characterized by darkness for an entire day.
The Arctic Circle encompasses several countries and bodies of water, including the Arctic Ocean, Greenland, parts of Canada, Russia, Alaska, Iceland, and several Scandinavian countries. It is characterized by harsh and extreme climatic conditions, such as frigid temperatures, strong winds, and massive ice formations, due to its proximity to the North Pole.
The region within the Arctic Circle is primarily known for its unique ecosystems and flora and fauna adaptations to the freezing environment. It is home to numerous species, including polar bears, seals, walruses, Arctic foxes, and various species of birds. The melting of the Arctic ice due to climate change has significant ecological and environmental impacts, leading to habitat loss, rising sea levels, and changes in global weather patterns. The Arctic Circle also holds economic importance due to its vast reserves of oil, natural gas, and minerals, making it an area of interest for exploration and potential conflicts.
The word "arctic" comes from the Latin word "arcticus", which means "northern" or "of the north". It is derived from the Greek word "arktikos", which also means "northern". The term "arctic circle" refers to a specific geographic line, which is a circle of latitude located at approximately 66.5 degrees north of the Earth's equator. This line marks the boundary of the Arctic region, where during at least one day of the year, the sun does not fully set (midnight sun) or fully rise (polar night).
