Railway Exam » Railway Exam Study Materials » Geography » The Effects of the Frigid Zones on the Earth

The Effects of the Frigid Zones on the Earth

The article covers the frigid zones of the earth including the north pole and south pole. This would help enhance the knowledge regarding different aspects of this sub-topic of geography.

Climate zones represent broad classifications of the Earth’s climates predicated on average temperatures and precipitation levels. Temperate zones, frigid zones, and tropical zones are considered to be the three major climatic zones.

The frigid zones, situated at the South pole and North pole, are considered to have the lowest temperatures of the above-mentioned three zones.

The Frigid Zones, generally referred to as the polar regions or areas, are sections of the Earth that are located inside the polar rings that surround the globe’s geographical hemispheres (the south pole and north pole).

Frigid Zones are classified into two categories. The frigid zone throughout the north is defined as the region ranging from the Arctic circle to the north pole, whereas the frigid zone towards the south is defined as the region ranging from the Antarctic circle to the south pole.

These zones are bordered by the polar darkness as well as the midnight sun. The Frigid Zones are considered to be the world’s coldest areas, generally covered with ice and snow. Since these regions are the furthest away in comparison to the equator, they get slanted solar beams.

Features of Frigid Zones

The features of the frigid zones, such as the precipitation levels, temperature, and climate observed in these places, are discussed in the following section.

  • Precipitation or Rainfall levels – 
  • Rainfall in such places is often modest, with precipitation averaging less than twelve inches. 
  • In such places, blizzards, as well as strong gusts carrying ice fragments, are prevalent. 
  • Cold deserts or frozen areas can be found across the Arctic borders of North America, Eurasia, and Antarctica.
  • Climate – 
  • Long and harsh winters and chilly summers define the frigid zones, which are frequently blanketed with snow and ice. 
  • Due to the limited sunlight which is partially reflected by the snow and ice, such areas are frigid throughout the year.
  • Temperature Conditions – 
  • The sun’s radiation enters the south pole and the north pole at an elevated point, spreading across a larger area. 
  • The rays must also traverse for a prolonged period throughout the Earth’s atmosphere, wherein they are frequently absorbed, scattered, or reflected. As a result, frigid zones receive less solar energy than other parts of the world.
  • Furthermore, the axial tilt of the planet has a substantial influence on the environment in frigid zones. Since an axial tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees is insufficient to provide a significant peak daytime declination to effectively increase the sun’s beams even in summertime, the frigid zones receive the least solar energy, rendering them cold throughout the year.
  • These places including the south pole and north pole are characterised by a significant quantity of ice and snow, that refracts a significant fraction of the meagre sunlight that enters these regions, contributing to the cold temperatures.

Due to all the above-mentioned factors, flora grows slowly in such zones, with just a modest quantity evident in locations distant from the polar icecaps during the summer season.

The Effect of the Frigid Zones on the Earth

The frigid zones aid in the regulation of global temperatures. Assume that temperatures in such places including the north and south pole rise, causing polar caps and glaciers to evaporate. In that instance, it might emit too much carbon into the atmosphere, which would have a severe effect on the population living nearby.

Furthermore, temperature differences in such zones may cause harsher winters for populations all across the planet. The polar vortex is a vast band of frigid, swirling air that encircles both the south pole and north pole.

The stronger the airflow in the vortex, the farther separated the wind is from warmer locations and the colder it gets. Because snow reflects the radiation from the sun, temperature differences may lead to additional temperature rises. If this occurs, water levels might surge, perhaps contributing to global warming.

Climatic Conditions

  • The positioning of climatic zones influences their climate significantly. 
  • Since both the frigid zones including the south pole and the north pole are the furthest away from the equatorial line, they are indeed the most freezing places, with ice and snow as a common occurrence. 
  • Wildlife is severely limited as a result of these arid regions that are devoid of plant life. 
  • The frigid zones are only home to creatures that have adjusted to cold temperatures, like penguins and polar bears.

Conclusion

Since they include the polar caps, the frigid zones including the north and south pole are sometimes known as polar regions. They are distinguished by frigid temperatures. There is a scarcity of wildlife and plants. Numerous human settlements can be found within the frigid zones. In these areas, winters are harsh and long but summers are brief. Since the terrain is covered in ice throughout the year, it is nearly impossible to raise crops in such zones. The frigid zones possess a distinct environment with extreme temperatures, making them hard to dwell in.

faq

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the Railway Examination Preparation.

Which countries constitute the frigid zones?

The northern part of the frigid zone includes Alaska (USA), Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon (Canada. Furth...Read full

State the reason behind the harsh temperatures observed in the frigid zones.

Slanted solar beams reach the frigid zones. Because these beams must traverse significant distances to enter the pol...Read full

State some important facts regarding frigid zones.

Since they include the polar caps, the frigid zones including the north and ...Read full

Where can we find the frigid zones?

Frigid Zones are classified into two categories. The frigid zone throughout the north is defined as the region rangi...Read full