The melting of Greenland's ice sheet is linked to polar amplification. The Arctic is affected by current global warming, leading to Arctic sea ice shrinkage, diminished ice in the Greenland ice sheet, and Arctic methane release as the permafrost thaws. Coastal Arctic climates are moderated by oceanic influences, having generally warmer temperatures and heavier snowfalls than the colder and drier interior areas.

Average winter temperatures can go as low as −40 ☌ (−40 ☏), and the coldest recorded temperature is approximately −68 ☌ (−90 ☏). High winds often stir up snow, creating the illusion of continuous snowfall. Its precipitation mostly comes in the form of snow and is low, with most of the area receiving less than 50 cm (20 in). The Arctic is characterized by cold winters and cool summers. Climate Ī snowy landscape of Inari located in Lapland ( Finland) Another definition of the Arctic, which is popular with ecologists, is the region in the Northern Hemisphere where the average temperature for the warmest month (July) is below 10 ☌ (50 ☏) the northernmost tree line roughly follows the isotherm at the boundary of this region. The area can be defined as north of the Arctic Circle (about 66° 34'N), the approximate southern limit of the midnight sun and the polar night. There are a number of definitions of what area is contained within the Arctic. The name refers either to the constellation Ursa Major, the 'Great Bear', which is prominent in the northern portion of the celestial sphere, or to the constellation Ursa Minor, the 'Little Bear', which contains the celestial north pole (currently very near Polaris, the current north Pole Star, or North Star).

The word Arctic comes from the Greek word ἀρκτικός ( arktikos), 'near the Bear, northern' and from the word ἄρκτος ( arktos), meaning bear.

7 International cooperation and politics.

Arctis tor meaning