The Magnetic North: Arctic Circle - Essay Example

Most of the earth’s water supply is from the Arctic (Wheeler, 14).

Few people reside in the northern part of the Arctic Circle, and this is due to the climate which is not suitable for human living. The climate there is known as the Arctic climate. The Arctic is defined by cold winters and cool summers. Years ago, the Arctic was covered by a vast area covered by snow. Within the years that have come to pass, the Arctic has become affected by the global warming that is currently present. Global warming has led to the decrease of sea ice, which covered the vast oceans. It has led to ice shrinkage and the release of methane gas. The Arctic also includes natural resources like oil, gas, minerals, freshwater, and forest (Wheeler, 46).

            Long ago, the population in the arctic was characterized by a large number of animals, both water and land animals, and also a huge number of human species. Currently, the population of these is decreasing. The average temperature in winter is as low as -40 degrees Celsius. Before the current time, temperature recordings were as low as -68 degrees Celsius. Going by the current rate, the Arctic Circle is dropping from what it is supposed to be; cold, to a warmer climate. This is an effect of global warming. The ice is melting thus the degree of coldness is decreasing. Animals residing in the Arctic Circle include the Arctic hare, Lemming, muskox, and caribou. These are herbivores that are preyed on by the fox and the wolf. The common land animal is the polar bear, which prefers to hunt for marine food.

            Marine mammals include seals, walrus, cetacean-baleen whales, narwhals, killer whales, and belugas. Due to the changing climates, there has been a decrease, particularly in marine animals and land animals. Years before the Arctic was filled with marine life since at the time there was no climate change or the melting of ice. There was also decreased human activity like hunting which would disrupt the animal population. Currently, there has been increased human activity that has led to the migration of animals. Hunting of marine animals has greatly reduced the number of marine animals, particularly seals, and whales (Parry, 121).

            The population of these marine mammals is decreasing due to human activity in the region. Hunting these marine animals for their bodily benefits like oil has greatly affected this population. Hunting has not been limited to marine life. Land animals particularly the polar bear and the wolves have been targeted for their hide which is used to make clothing for people. (Dalton, 133) Some animals have also migrated since their habitat; the Arctic Circle is slowly shrinking away due to the melting ice. Much warming is expected in the future, and this will lead to a complete sea ice loss.