🌊 Arctic Ocean
Discover the Arctic Ocean, a frozen realm of polar ice, northern lights, and incredible polar wildlife.
About the Arctic Ocean
The Arctic Ocean is the smallest and shallowest of the world's five oceans. Much of its surface is covered by sea ice throughout the year, especially at the center.
Despite its harsh conditions, the Arctic supports polar bears, seals, walruses, and various whale species. It's a crucial region for understanding climate change and Earth's polar systems.
Quick Facts
Area
14.06 million km²
Max Depth
5,625 m (Litke Deep)
Avg Depth
1,205 m
Avg Temperature
-1.5°C
Salinity
30-34 ppt
Major Currents
Beaufort Gyre, Transpolar Drift
Bordering Countries
Notable Islands
Marine Wildlife
Famous Species
Unusual Creatures
Lives 400+ years, slowest shark species
Largest jellyfish, tentacles up to 37 meters
Takes 14 years to mature in freezing conditions
Translucent swimming sea slug
Unique to This Ocean
Endemic to Arctic, can live over 200 years
Keystone species, survives under sea ice
Only gull species endemic to the Arctic