What Is the Polar Climate?

Are you looking for an easy way to teach your child about weather and climate? We’ve put together a set of free materials that parents and teachers can use right away. In this lesson, your child will dive into the fascinating world of the polar climate. 

We’ll explore the conditions and causes of cold, dry polar regions. Explore science in a more engaging way with captivating 3D videos and interactive quizzes. Download our app to get started!

What you will learn from this lesson

The polar climate is found at the Arctic and Antarctic, which are the two polar regions at the northernmost and southernmost parts of Earth. These regions, located at high latitudes (greater than 66.5 degrees), are defined by conditions that are cold and dry year-round. The two poles have year-round temperatures that are mostly below freezing. These environments create unique challenges and adaptations for the animals that live there.

Why Is It So Cold and Dry in Polar Regions?

The high-latitude location of the polar regions is key to understanding the polar climate. The sunlight hits these areas with a greater slant, meaning less direct solar energy is absorbed, which results in consistently low temperatures. This lack of heat is the primary cause of the climate’s coldness.

The extremely cold temperatures are also the reason for the scarcity of precipitation, meaning the polar climate is dry year-round with very little snow or rain. Cold air creates a high-pressure area where the air flows downward. This sinking air prevents water vapor from rising and forming rain, making it drier than even some desert areas.

What Is the Polar Night?

A phenomenon called the polar night contributes to the extremely low temperatures in the polar climate. This occurs when the sun does not rise at all, resulting in 24 hours of darkness. The polar regions experience this long period of no sunlight each year, which makes the air even colder.

How Do Animals Survive the Cold?

Animals that live in the polar climate have special features to help them survive the cold. Their bodies are adapted to increase heat retention. This includes having characteristics such as thick fur or feathers and small ears. Animals like the polar bear and the emperor penguin are typical inhabitants of these regions.

Fun Fact

• The total yearly precipitation in the polar climate is less than in some desert areas.
• The extreme cold in the polar regions causes the air to sink, which stops water from rising to form rain.
• The Arctic is a frozen ocean, while the Antarctic is a high-altitude continent, making it significantly colder.
• During the phenomenon known as polar night, the sun does not appear for 24 hours.
• The polar bear and the emperor penguin are two well-known animals that thrive in the freezing polar climate

Vocabulary

• Polar climate: This climate is characterized by being cold and dry year-round. It is found at the Arctic and Antarctic, the two polar regions at the northernmost and southernmost parts of Earth.
• Latitude: This is used to locate different regions on Earth. Polar regions are found in high-latitude areas, meaning they receive less direct sunlight.
• Polar night: This phenomenon contributes to the extremely low temperatures because it is a long period during which the sun does not rise at all. It results in 24 hours of darkness and makes the air even colder.
• High-pressure area: This is created by the very cold air in the polar regions. The sinking air from this high-pressure area prevents water vapor from rising, which is why there is very little precipitation.