SEVERNAYA ZEMLYA Meaning and
Definition
-
Severnaya Zemlya is a geographical term referring to a group of islands located in the Russian Arctic Ocean. The term "Severnaya Zemlya" translates to "Northern Land" in English. The archipelago consists of four main islands: October Revolution Island, Bolshevik Island, Komsomolets Island, and Pioneer Island, as well as a number of smaller islands and islets.
Severnaya Zemlya is known for its extreme Arctic climate, characterized by long, harsh winters and short, cool summers. The islands are covered in ice for most of the year, making them inaccessible to humans and difficult to explore. They are also home to vast polar ice caps and glaciers, contributing to their stunning and pristine natural beauty.
The archipelago was discovered in 1913 during the Arctic Ocean Hydrographic Expedition led by Russian explorer Boris Vilkitsky. Prior to its discovery, these islands were not accurately represented on maps, hence why the term "Northern Land" was used. Severnaya Zemlya played a crucial role in defining the northern limits of the Eurasian continent.
Today, Severnaya Zemlya remains an important area for scientific research, particularly in the fields of glaciology, climatology, and Arctic studies. The unique and remote nature of the archipelago preserves its ecosystems relatively undisturbed by human activities. It also serves as a habitat for various Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, and several bird species.
In summary, Severnaya Zemlya refers to a group of islands located in the Russian Arctic Ocean, known for their extreme Arctic climate, vast ice caps, and significant role in scientific research.
Etymology of SEVERNAYA ZEMLYA
The word "Severnaya Zemlya" is a Russian term that translates to "Northern Land" in English. The etymology of the word can be broken down as follows:
1. Severnaya: The word "severnaya" comes from the Russian word "sever", which means "north". It is derived from the Old Church Slavonic word "severu" and can be traced back to the Proto-Slavic word "severъ", meaning "north" or "northern".
2. Zemlya: The word "zemlya" in Russian stands for "land" or "earth". It comes from the Old Church Slavonic word "zemlja", which is ultimately derived from the Proto-Slavic word "zemlja", meaning "earth" or "ground".
