Arctic Ocean
The Arctic Ocean, the smallest and shallowest of the world's five major oceans, is located within the Arctic Circle and is mostly covered by sea ice throughout the year. This ocean has been crucial for the indigenous peoples of the Arctic region, supporting their traditional ways of life. In recent decades, the Arctic has gained geopolitical significance due to potential shipping routes and natural resource exploration, spurred by the alarming rate of ice melt due to global warming.
