* Average temperatures below 0°C (32°F)
* Long, cold winters with short, cool summers
* Low precipitation, mostly in the form of snow
* Strong winds and frequent blizzards
Vegetation
* Low-growing plants, such as mosses, lichens, and grasses
* Few trees, except in sheltered areas
* Plants often adapted to cold climates, such as having thick leaves and stems, or storing food underground
Animals
* Many animals that are adapted to cold climates, such as polar bears, seals, and walruses
* Some animals migrate to the Arctic in the summer to feed and breed, such as birds and caribou
Terrain
* Arctic landscapes are often covered in snow and ice
* Permafrost, which is permanently frozen ground, is common
* There are many mountains, fjords, and glaciers in the Arctic
Human Activity
* The Arctic is home to a few small human populations, mostly in coastal areas
* Human activities in the Arctic include fishing, hunting, mining, and oil exploration
* Climate change is a major threat to the Arctic, and is causing sea ice to melt, permafrost to thaw, and plant and animal populations to change