Arctic and Antarctic
The Arctic and Antarctic are among the most fascinating regions on Earth. For centuries, they have attracted explorers, scientists, and cartographers. While the Arctic was systematically explored starting in the 16th century, the scientific exploration of Antarctica only began in the early 19th century. With each expedition, new maps were created, documenting the growing knowledge of coasts, islands, seas, and ice landscapes. Historical maps impressively show the transition from early conjectures to precise surveys.
Today, satellites, icebreakers, and research stations provide detailed data on ice cover, ocean currents, and ecosystems. Modern maps visualize these findings and document the changes in the polar regions with unprecedented accuracy.
The Arctic and Antarctic play a key role in the global climate system. Their extensive ice sheets reflect a large portion of solar radiation, helping to cool the Earth. At the same time, they influence ocean currents and air circulation, which shape weather and climate worldwide.
The Arctic is warming significantly faster than the global average. Shrinking sea ice and thawing permafrost are profoundly changing the region. Antarctica is also losing increasing amounts of ice. Observing these developments is one of the most important tasks of modern climate research.
