The Arctic Ocean

In the northern polar region the Arctic Ocean is surrounded by land. Arctic sea ice is important in regulating the Earth's climate. Sea ice forms and melts with the seasons, reaching a maximum in March and a minimum in September. Some sea ice persists year after year, but the total amount of ice has been changing in recent decades.

The Continent of Antarctica

In the southern polar region the continent of Antarctica is surrounded by ocean. Most Antarctic sea ice is "seasonal ice," meaning it melts away and reforms annually, reaching a maximum in September and a minimum in March. The total amount of ice has not changed very much in recent decades. Ice also flows off the continent and forms large floating ice shelves along the coast.

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