Arctic Ocean
Arctic Ocean
The Arctic Ocean (pronunciation: /ˈɑːrktɪk/ or /ˈɑːrtɪk/) is the smallest and shallowest of the world's five major oceans. The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) recognizes it as an ocean, although some oceanographers call it the Arctic Mediterranean Sea or simply the Arctic Sea, classifying it as one of the Mediterranean seas of the Atlantic Ocean.
Etymology
The name "Arctic" comes from the ancient Greek word Arktos, meaning "bear". This is not due to the presence of polar bears in the region, but rather because the constellation Ursa Major – "The Great Bear" – is prominent in the northern hemisphere's sky.
Geography
The Arctic Ocean is located in the Northern Hemisphere and mostly in the Arctic north polar region. It is almost completely surrounded by Eurasia and North America. It is partly covered by sea ice throughout the year and almost completely in winter.
Related Terms
- North Pole: The point in the Northern Hemisphere where the Earth's axis of rotation meets its surface.
- Sea ice: Frozen ocean water. It forms, grows, and melts in the ocean.
- Eurasia: The combined continental landmass of Europe and Asia.
- North America: A continent entirely within the Northern Hemisphere and almost all within the Western Hemisphere.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Arctic Ocean
- Wikipedia's article - Arctic Ocean
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