Difference Between South Pole & North Pole

The Earth has two pole regions, the South Pole (Antarctica) and the North Pole (the Arctic). Besides being on the opposite sides of the Earth, South Pole and North Pole have differences and similarities.

Natural Features

One of the biggest differences is that the South Pole is a continent surrounded by oceans, but the North Pole is in the middle of the Arctic Ocean surrounded by continents.

Temperature

The South Pole is much colder than the North Pole. The annual mean temperature at the South Pole is minus-58 degrees Fahrenheit, but the annual mean temperature on the North Pole is 0 degrees Fahrenheit (see Reference 2).

Flora

South Pole and North Pole are also opposites when flora is considered. There are no tundra or tree lines on the South Pole but on the North Pole the tundra is well developed and a visible tree shrub line is identifiable.

Fauna

The South Pole has no terrestrial mammals, but the North Pole has several terrestrial mammals including musk ox, reindeer, caribou, fox, wolf and bear. Both poles, however, have similar marine life that includes whales, porpoises and seals.

Human Activity

No human activity exists on the South Pole outside scientific stations. The North Pole, on the other hand, has native people and ethnic groups living on the continents that surround the North Pole.

References

• Arctic Facts
• Adventure Life