põhjapoolus

Põhjapoolus, also known as the Geographic North Pole, is the northernmost point on the planet Earth. It is located at 90 degrees north latitude and is the point where the Earth's axis of rotation intersects its surface. Unlike the South Pole, which is located on a continent (Antarctica), the North Pole is situated in the Arctic Ocean, amidst a constantly shifting ice pack.

The exact position of the North Pole is not fixed due to the Earth's rotation and the movement of tectonic plates. However, the geographic North Pole is a theoretical point. The magnetic North Pole, on the other hand, is a point where the Earth's magnetic field lines point vertically downwards, and this point wanders over time.

Exploration of the North Pole has been a significant challenge throughout history due to the extreme cold, unpredictable ice conditions, and long periods of darkness. Early attempts often ended in failure, but by the 20th century, expeditions began to reach the pole by various means, including by ship, aircraft, and on foot.

The North Pole has no indigenous human population and no permanent settlements. It is an area of scientific interest, particularly for studying climate change and Arctic ecosystems. The environment is characterized by extreme cold, with average temperatures well below freezing year-round, and the presence of sea ice that can be several meters thick. The region experiences continuous daylight during the Arctic summer and continuous darkness during the Arctic winter.