The Arctic, or the Arctic Circle, is the general term given to the large region in the Northern Hemisphere of the Earth which covers the North Pole, the Arctic Ocean and portions of several countries including Russia, Canada, the United States' Alaska, Norway, Iceland, Finland and Sweden. The Arctic is located on the opposite axis of the Earth as Antarctica. Some areas of Arctic land are under dispute for control of the region's oil rich location.
In March 2009, Russia announced that they planned to form a dedicated military force to protect their Arctic interests. In response to this announcement, Canada said that they would defend their Arctic region if needed.Breitbart.com: Russia plans to create Arctic military force
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Commonly associated with the 66th parallel line of latitude
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Major natural resource
oil, gas, zinc, silver, coal
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Climate
very cold and long winters, cool summers
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Fact:
Average winter temperature around -40 degrees Fahrenheit
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Fact:
Scientist studying Arctic Change for data on global warming
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Fact:
No country holds ownership on North Pole and surrounding ocean
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Fact:
5 degree Celsius temperature increase in Autumn 2008
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2008 showed record melting duration and extent
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Fact:
Land disputes over oil rich areas of region
