Arctic Definitions

Under this section, a selection of maps representing the main definitions of “Arctic” is presented.

Maps can be combined among them or with maps presented under other sections (as for instance Arctic Summer Sea Ice extent and “Arctic definitions”). All maps can be purchased and downloaded in high resolution. Maps can be snipped or copied for use in presentations as long as its origin is clearly accounted for.

For further information, such as inquiries on maps with even higher resolutions or with different dataset combinations, please contact info at arcticportal.org.

This map shows the main definitions combined currently in use to describe the Arctic.

The different sub-regions of the Arctic.

Arctic Portal Map - Arctic Tree Line Boundary

The northernmost latitude in the Northern Hemisphere where trees can grow

Arctic Portal Map - Arctic AMAP Boundary

The Arctic area under the definition of the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program

Arctic Portal Map - Arctic CAFF Boundary

The Arctic area under the definition of the Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna working group

Arctic Portal Map - Arctic EPPR Boundary

The Arctic area under the Emergency, Prevention, Preparedness and Response

Arctic Portal Map - Arctic AHDR Boundary

The Arctic area described by the Arctic Human Development Reports(AHDR 1 and 2)

Arctic Portal Map - Arctic 10ºC Isotherm

The 10ºC Isotherm is defined as being the area where the average temperature in the warmest month (July) is below 10ºC / 50ºF.

The Arctic Circle (66, 33, 44 North): the Arctic Circle is the Southernmost latitude in the Northern Hemisphere at which the sun can continuously remain above or below the horizon for 24 hours.

Disclaimer and information on use and purchase

The maps are free for use in outreach and educational presentations and free publications in the resolution and format provided above as long as its origin, ArcticPortal.org, is clearly accounted for.

The maps are all available in higher resolution for purchase via the download bottom.

Any commercial use of our free maps, which includes and/or not limited to presentations or publication in reports, books, online media or commercial applications is NOT permitted. For any commercial use the maps are available for purchase via the download option. For other use, special requests or modifications please contact . Any third party amendments, copying or resale of the Arctic Portal maps, is not permitted without a written agreement with the Arctic Portal.

Please note that cartographic material, as our maps, is covered under the international "Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works". The agreement covers derivative works as well.

Purchasing instructions

For purchasing commercial use and/or the higher resolution of maps please follow the Buy Map link which also indicates the price. You will be directed to a secure payment form at Rapyd, registered to the Arctic Foundation, the official operator of the ArcticPortal.org. After payment a zip folder with the purchased map will be downloaded to your browser and you will receive an invoice to your email address provided in the registration form or simply email . To locate your zip file, open the downloads directory for the browser that you used to perform the payment. If you have any problems with this process please contact

The Arctic Portal.org is operated by the Arctic Foundation. Arctic Foundation is registered in Akureyri, Iceland, according to Icelandic Act no. 119/2019 on not-for-profit organizations operating across borders. Registration nr. 610721-1090.

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