The Arctic Circle is an imaginary line drawn parallel to the Earth's equator, located at approximately 66.5 degrees north latitude. It marks the southernmost point at which the midnight sun is visible for at least 24 hours during the summer solstice, and the northernmost point at which the sun remains below the horizon for a full 24 hours during the winter solstice.
The Arctic Circle encompasses the Arctic region, which is largely covered by the Arctic Ocean and surrounded by several countries including Greenland (a territory of Denmark), Canada, Russia, Norway, and the United States (through the state of Alaska). The region is characterized by extreme cold temperatures, with icy and harsh climates prevailing throughout the year.
The Arctic Circle holds great significance in terms of its unique environmental conditions and the wildlife that depends on it. It hosts a diverse array of land and marine species, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, reindeer, walruses, and a variety of whales. The region is also home to indigenous communities with rich cultural heritage, whose traditions and livelihoods are closely tied to the Arctic environment.
The Arctic Circle has also attracted significant political and scientific attention due to the impacts of climate change. The region is particularly vulnerable to global warming, with accelerating ice melt, rising sea levels, and changing ecosystems. These factors have led to increased exploration and exploitation of Arctic resources, as well as environmental concerns regarding the balance between development and conservation in the region.
