The Arctic Ocean

The Arctic Ocean is the smallest ocean in the world. It sits at the top of the Earth around the North Pole. The water is very cold and much of it is covered in ice. Polar bears, seals, and whales live here.

Ice and Cold

Most of the Arctic Ocean is covered with thick ice. In winter, even more of it freezes over. In summer, some of the ice melts and breaks into big pieces called icebergs. The water under the ice can be near freezing. Scientists say the ice is melting faster than before because Earth is getting warmer.

Animals of the Arctic

Lots of animals call the Arctic Ocean home. Polar bears walk on the ice looking for food. Seals swim in the cold water and rest on the ice. Whales like belugas and narwhals also live here. Birds called puffins fly over the water and dive for fish.

Fun Facts

• The Arctic Ocean is about 5,400,000 square miles in size.
• The North Pole is in the middle of this ocean.
• It was once called the Frozen Ocean.

Did You Know?

The narwhal is a whale that lives in the Arctic Ocean and has a long, spiral tusk that looks like a unicorn horn.