Jäämerestä

Jäämeri, also known as the Arctic Ocean, is the smallest and shallowest of the world's five major oceans. It is located in the Northern Hemisphere and is almost entirely surrounded by Eurasia and North America. The ocean is characterized by its extremely cold temperatures, ice cover for much of the year, and unique biodiversity adapted to these harsh conditions.

The Arctic Ocean's waters are largely covered by sea ice, which can extend across vast areas. This ice cover fluctuates seasonally, being at its maximum extent in winter and at its minimum in summer. Climate change is causing a significant reduction in Arctic sea ice, with profound implications for the Arctic ecosystem and global climate patterns.

Key features of the Jäämeri include its relatively shallow average depth and the presence of numerous islands, the largest being Greenland. Major marginal seas connected to the Arctic Ocean include the Barents Sea, Kara Sea, Laptev Sea, East Siberian Sea, Chukchi Sea, and Beaufort Sea.

The Jäämeri is home to a specialized array of flora and fauna. Marine life includes various species of seals, whales, polar bears, and a range of fish. The plant life is limited, primarily consisting of algae and phytoplankton, especially in open water areas. The human presence in the Arctic is sparse, with indigenous communities having lived in the region for millennia, adapting to its challenging environment. The region is also increasingly important for scientific research, resource exploration, and shipping routes as ice cover diminishes.