Why in the News?
- Scientists recently observed an unexpected large gathering of walruses on the remote shores of Svalbard, indicating shifting wildlife behaviour in the Arctic due to changing climatic conditions.
About SvalbardÂ
Location
- A Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean.
- Lies between mainland Norway and the North Pole (about halfway).
- Northernmost permanent human settlement in the world.
Discovery & Status
- Discovered by Willem Barentsz (Dutch explorer) in 1596.
- Svalbard Treaty (1920) → established Norwegian sovereignty.
Geography
- ~60% glacier-covered; marked by mountains, fjords.
- Surrounding seas:
- Arctic Ocean, Greenland Sea, Norwegian Sea.
| Consider the following countries: (2014)
1. Denmark 2. Japan 3. Russian Federation 4. United Kingdom 5. United States of America Which of the above are the members of the ‘Arctic Council’? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 3 and 5 only |
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