Looking up...
北极圈
běi jí quān
Arctic Circle
北极圈内有许多北极熊。
There are many polar bears within the Arctic Circle.
geography
The imaginary circle around the Earth at approximately 66.5 degrees north latitude, marking the southernmost point where the sun can remain continuously above or below the horizon for 24 hours.
北极圈以北的地区被称为北极。
The region north of the Arctic Circle is called the Arctic.
北极圈的面积随着季节变化。
The area of the Arctic Circle changes with the seasons.
The Arctic Circle is one of the five major circles of latitude on Earth, alongside the Equator, Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn, and Antarctic Circle.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Remembering the Arctic Circle
Associate '北极圈' with the North Pole (北极) and the idea of a 'circle' (圈) marking the boundary where the sun doesn't set during the summer solstice.
Gold Rule
Geographical Context
The Arctic Circle is not a physical line but an imaginary boundary. Its position is determined by Earth's tilt (currently ~23.5°), which causes the polar day/night phenomenon.
Word Origin
The term '北极圈' (běi jí quān) combines '北极' (běi jí, meaning 'North Pole') and '圈' (quān, meaning 'circle'). The concept originates from ancient Greek astronomy, where the Arctic Circle was first defined by the Greek geographer Pytheas around 325 BCE.
Usage Notes
1. The Arctic Circle is not a fixed geographical line but shifts slightly over time due to Earth's axial tilt variations (about 21,000-year cycles). 2. It is commonly used in geography, climate science, and polar exploration contexts. 3. Avoid confusion with the 'North Pole' (北极点 běi jí diǎn), which is a single point at 90°N latitude.
Word Breakdown
北极
North Pole
compound圈
circle
noun suffix汉英词典