17 Embark on an Arctic adventure like no other OVER 260 SPECIES OF TERRESTRIAL FAUNA See how many of the 200 bird species you’ll spot. Of the 61 mammals, only the hardiest survive winter such as the Arctic fox, Svalbard reindeer and polar bear. AN ENTIRE POPULATION OF JUST 4 MILLION The sparse, mainly indigenous communities endure a harsh climate and limited resources, following a traditional lifestyle, all of which shapes their way of life. 12 SPECIES OF MARINE FAUNA Watch out for whales (beluga, bowhead, humpback and killer), ice seals (bearded, ribbon, ringed, spotted, harp and hooded), walruses, harbour porpoise and more. A LAND FORMED ALMOST PURELY OF ICE The Arctic’s ice sheet is a vast expanse of frozen water averaging 2-3 metres in thickness, although this varies greatly. The region is 98% ice, 2% barren rock. OVER 1,700 SPECIES OF PLANT Tundra vegetation features sedges, grasses, dwarf shrubs, wildflowers, mosses and lichens. Discover how the plants developed surprising strategies to survive. 68% OF OUR FRESHWATER IS IN ICE SHEETS One tenth is in the Greenland Ice Sheet. This means 20% of the world’s freshwater is right here, inside an ice sheet covering a staggering 1.71 million sq km. FOLLOW THE FIRST EXPLORATION OF 1906 For centuries, Arctic explorers searched for the Pole and Northwest Passage. Norwegian pioneer Roald Amundsen discovered both; join us as we follow in his wake. SUMMER TEMPERATURES Arctic temperatures in summer range from around 3°-12°C (37°- 54°F). The weather can change rapidly, with sudden shifts in temperature, wind and visibility.
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