Which is colder, the South or North Pole? And how is life at these places

Time of India

a day ago

The North Pole and South Pole are considered the coldest places on Earth, but do you know which one is colder? Well, if you are also curious to know the answer, this one is for you. Read on to learn more about the poles.
Locations
South and North, both the poles are located at the extremes of the planet, one at the top and the other at the bottom which is why they do not get direct light from the sun. They endure extreme cold and shifts in daylight throughout the year. Both of them consist of vast lands that are frozen, and one can also find unique forms of life here.
And the answer is….
The South Pole is colder than the North Pole. According to LiveScience, the annual average temperature at the North Pole is -40 degrees Fahrenheit in winters and 32°F in summers, while the South Pole has an average temperature of -76°F in winters and -18°F in summers.
The main difference between the two poles
The North Pole or Arctic region is an ocean surrounded by land, while the Antarctic region or South Pole is land surrounded by ocean. This is the key difference between them, which also impacts their climate. Antarctica is a higher continent than the Arctic, which means the higher it is, the colder it will get. The ice in Antarctica is thick and is like a huge plateau, which is also why it is colder.
The South Pole is surrounded by water on all sides, so the strength of the winds is stronger, while the North Pole is warmer as the winds slow down here.
Life at the poles
North Pole: Polar bears, Arctic foxes, and other terrestrial animals wander here in search of food. In the sea ecosystem, one can find shrimps, sea anemones, and tiny crustaceans. A few ringed seals as well as larger marine mammals like narwhals are also spotted here and are much rarer.
Certain species of fish are also found, like Arctic cod, and some birds also visit the North Pole a lot, like the Arctic tern, which is the longest annual migration species. This land is also surrounded by inhabited lands like northern Canada, Greenland, Russia, and Alaska, where almost 4 million people live.
South Pole: This coast is mainly used for scientific research, as the habitat is too harsh for organisms to survive.
The more temperate parts of this pole support certain flora such as moss and lichen, and organisms such as mites and midges. However, one cannot find any native plant or animal life at the pole itself.
Now you know that the South Pole is colder than the North Pole, and the habitat found at the two locations is completely different. The North Pole is warmer than the South Pole and has a better habitat for organisms, animals, and fauna, while the South Pole has a harsher climate, which is why only some flora can be seen here.
(Image Credits: Canva)
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