The Arctic Experience
Adaptation is Key to Survival
Adaptation to the environment has been key to survival for Arctic wildlife and the successful explorers of old, such as Roald Amundsen.
Adaptation is Key to a Satisfying Arctic Experience
The ability to adapt to the environment is also key to enjoying Arctic expedition cruises. Conditions change dramatically and drastically. Fog can reduce visibility to nothing in no time. A protected tundra valley can capture the sun’s heat warming the air to so much that you’ll strip to shorts and a t-shirt to hike. Expedition Leaders watch the weather, ice and wind and adapt the daily program to ensure our Arctic expeditions are safe and rich with memories that last a life time.
Arctic ecosystems are relatively new.
Arctic ecosystems, the communal alliances of plants and animals, are believed to be relatively new when compared to more southerly ecosystems. In the north, the advancement of glaciers has periodically interrupted biological evolution. The long-term biological stability of Arctic ecosystems is much less steady than those in southern latitudes. Arctic ecosystems have larger biomasses (herds of caribou and musk oxen, vast swarms of mosquitoes) and lower overall productivity. However, in spite of these large populations, the mortality rate of each season’s young is so great that population counts do not remain stable. The violent weather can play havoc with some Arctic populations and numbers can change drastically in a short time.
Polar Bear - Arctic Wildlife Expedition
Spitsbergen Explorer is the itinerary to choose to encounter polar bears in the wild.