Things You May Not Know About the Arctic Circle

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The Arctic Circle is the imaginary line of latitude that circles the northern most pole of the world. This parallel separates in the Northern Temperate Zone from the Arctic zone above it. Here are some interesting points: * This temperate zone is a region of approximately 5.5 million square miles with a landscape of ice bergs, glaciers, sea ice and permafrost. * Due to fluctuation of the Earth's axial tilt the circle moves north at a rate of about 49 feet per year. * Polar bears are only found in this region with a male measuring 6 to 7 feet from nose to foot. * The word "arctic" is derived from the Greek word "Arktos" meaning bear. (the celestial kind) * Over 4 million people live within the Arctic Circle. It incorporates parts of Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Finland, Russia, Sweden and the U.S. * 40 different ethnic groups also live in the Arctic Circle. Such as Inuit, Saami, and Yapik peoples. They account for 10% of the regional population. * The Arctic Circle is also home to the world's largest secure seed storage. In 2008 a 10,764 square foot vault was buried in the Perma frost. This structure can hold 4.5 million different seed types, and the temperature is kept at a constant 37.4 to 39.2 degrees Fahrenheit. It is called the Svalbard Global Seed Vault and is set in the frigid water between Greenland and Norway on the Norwegian island of Svalbard. Only the concrete entrance is visible and only scientists and staff are allowed inside. It is all stashed there for safe keeping in case of crop failures or natural disaster.