North Pole
From World travel guide
The North Pole is the northernmost point of the world.
- See also: North Pole (Alaska) and North Pole (New York).
Contents |
Understand
There are four definitions for "the North Pole", each in a different location.
- Geographic North Pole, the point in the northern hemisphere where the Earth's axis of rotation meets the surface, latitude 90°N (longitude not applicable). This is a fixed location, and is the most popularly understood definition. It is the destination of several commercial travel expeditions.
- Magnetic North Pole, the northern point where the Earth's geomagnetic field is vertical, to which magnetic compasses point. This location drifts about 9km/year and is currently near Ellef Ringnes Island, one of the Queen Elizabeth Islands in Canada.
- Geomagnetic North Pole, the northern pole of the Earth's magnetosphere, which affects atmospheric phenomena such as the Aurora Borealis. This also shifts, and is currently off Thule, Greenland.
- Northern Pole of Inaccessibility, the furthest point from any coastline. This is a fixed location (barring major sea level changes that might redefine coastlines) at 84°03'N 174°51'W.
Unlike the South Pole, which is located on the continent of Antarctica, the geographic North Pole is covered by nothing but a sheet of shifting ice on the surface of the Arctic Ocean. There is thus no permanent habitation nor even an official marker for the position, as the ice moves from year to year.
Get in
The North Pole can only be reached on expeditions specifically mounted for the purpose. Most expeditions start from Longyearbyen in the Svalbard islands and continue onto the Pole by a combination of plane, helicopter and ski — you will typically be looking at a minimum of US$12,000 per head for the trip.
- Global Expedition Adventures, [1]. Among the biggest names in the small business. Offers a variety of packages, including plane/helicopter directly to the Pole as well as skiing the last leg.
Get around
There are few viable transportation options near the North Pole; staying with your tour group is advisable.
See
There is little to see at the North Pole.
Do
As one would expect, there are few recreational opportunities at the North Pole.
Buy
It is impossible to buy anything at the North Pole; you should bring anything you might need.
Eat
You can eat whatever you bring.
Drink
The North Pole contains one of the planet's largest reserves of fresh water, but it tends to be frozen.
Sleep
It is not advisable to sleep at the North Pole without portable heated shelter.
Get out
You get out the same way you got in: with your group.
External links
| This article is still a stub and needs your attention. Plunge forward and help it grow! |
