Why is the Arctic strategically important?
Strategically, the Arctic enjoys the unique – and also somewhat precarious – position as a ‘buffer zone’ between the two superpowers; the USA and the USSR. On the out- skirts of the Arctic region, the Barents Sea has become, in military-political terms, one of the most important sea areas in the world.
Why is the Arctic Ocean important?
The Arctic is crucial for lots of reasons. Not just because it’s home to the iconic polar bear, and four million people, but also because it helps keep our world’s climate in balance. The Arctic also helps circulate the world’s ocean currents, moving cold and warm water around the globe. …
Why is Alaska so strategically important?
Alaska’s Geostrategic Importance. “Alaska is the most strategic place on earth,” stated Brig. Gen. Further, because Alaska sits astride the Bering Strait chokepoint and the Great Circle Routes between North America and Asia as can be seen in figure 2, it is critical to our economic and national security.
Why is the Arctic economically important?
Climate change resulting from anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions is causing rapid warming and melting of ice in the Arctic. This makes areas in the North Polar Region with raw materials potential increasingly accessible for economic exploitation and development.
What resources does the Arctic provide?
The natural resources of the Arctic are the mineral and animal resources within the Arctic Circle that can provide utility or economic benefit to humans. The mineral resources include major reserves of oil and natural gas, large quantities of minerals including iron ore, copper, nickle, zinc phosphates and diamonds.
Why do people mine in the Arctic?
Mining. The Arctic holds large quantities of minerals, including phosphate, bauxite, iron ore, copper, nickel, and diamond . These are of pervasive use in industrialized economies.
Is the Arctic rich?
The Arctic has vast deposits of economically valuable mineral resources. Significant deposits of phosphate, bauxite, diamonds, iron ore, and gold are located in the Arctic region. Deposits of silver, copper, and zinc also exist in the Arctic. Resource extraction is extremely difficult, however.
Why is the Arctic Circle in danger?
Climate Change in the Arctic Circle Ocean temperatures are also rising, so fish and other sea animals are moving. This may cause other Arctic animals who eat fish to lose their food source. Glaciers are melting in the Arctic Circle region. This means that Arctic animals’ habitats, or their homes, are disappearing.