Polar seas

In the coldest years, sea ice can cover around 13 percent of the Earth's total surface at its maximum, but out of phase in the two hemispheres.

Contrary to popular opinion, the World Wildlife Fund studies for polar bears show that this species has prospered since 1950, attaining five times the numbers found in 1950.

A large amount of the land in the north polar region is part of Earth's tundra biome.

South of the Arctic tundra, where temperatures are a little less cold, are the vast forests of conifer trees of the taiga biome.

Large amounts of riverine fresh water as well as abundant nutrients (gelbstoff) flow into the Arctic basin from Siberian rivers.

The widest continental shelf on the planet is found in the Arctic Ocean, extending more than 1000 kilometers outward from Siberia and Alaska.

On the other hand, the Arctic Ocean contains the deepest, slowest spreading mid-ocean ridge on the planet which, until 2003, was thought to be inactive volcanically.

Since then, however, a dozen active volcanoes have been discovered, illustrating the limited information available for the difficult-to-study Arctic Ocean.

The polar food web structure can be sensitive to man's 'top-down' control especially with the development and growth of industrial fishing.

There is evidence that it has been out of contact with the atmosphere for millions of years, making it a possible treasure trove of information.

Relatively, the Antarctic seas and Southern Ocean surround the highest, driest, coldest and windiest continent on the Earth - Antarctica.

Developed nations ceased the production and use of chlorofluorocarbons and the atmospheric abundance and consequent ozone depletion are generally on the decrease.

Extreme oscillations in irradiance occur in these regions, for months it may be totally dark (in winter) or light (in summer).

There is an expected rise in the exploration and development of the Polar Seas due to an increasing demand for fuel and commodities.

The emergence of China and India's economy is considered one of the main drivers of this phenomenon due to an unprecedented appetite for raw materials and fuel.