The Arctic and the Antarctic regions are both part of polar areas and probably that is where the similarities end. They are as different as chalk and cheese. Scroll down for a list of 6 differences between the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
Geography
Sunset at the Arctic region. Source: Wikimedia
Geographically, the Arctic and the Antarctic regions are located at opposite regions of the Earth. While the Arctic is located in the North Pole region, the Antarctic is located at the South Pole.
Fauna
Polar bears of the Arctic region. Source: Wikimedia
Penguins of the Antarctic region. Source: Wikimedia
The Arctic region is populated with polar bears while the Antarctic region is predominantly filled with penguins. So, polar bears and penguins never really cross each other’s paths :)
Flora
Flora in the Arctic Tundra. Source: Wikimedia
Abundance of flora is absent in both Arctic and Antarctic regions. While the Arctic region has mostly flowering plants. On the other hand, the Antarctic region has almost no vegetation and comprises mostly lichens.
Mineral Resource
In terms of presence of mineral resources, the Arctic region has little amounts of non-ferrous metal and regional carbon. On the other hand, the Antarctic region is a rich source of crude oil, natural gas, as well as ferrous and non-ferrous metal.
Topography
Mount Jackson, Antarctica. Source: Wikimedia
The Arctic and Antarctic regions are quite different from each other in terms of topography. The Arctic region is populated with a large variety of landscapes including plains, mountains, large lakes and rivers. On the other hand, 98 per cent of the Antarctic region is covered in ice. So, basically, most of the region of Antarctica is covered in ice sheets, icy mountains, and smooth ice-sheets.
Population
Three Inuit persons in the Arctic region. Source: Wikimedia
People in the Antarctic region. Source: Wikimedia
The Arctic and Antarctic regions are quite different in terms of living conditions and hence the population. The Arctic region has around 4 million inhabitants. This is because it is considered to be an inhospitable place as well as being a desolate region. The Antarctic region, on the other hand does not comprise any indigenous people. Most of the inhabitants in this region are researchers and scientists who have set up camps for their research studies.
We’re sure this was an informative piece and you gained a fair understanding of the differences between the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Feel free to share with us, in the comments below, other differences between the two which you think should be included in the post.
