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Name: Courtney
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Date: Polar Winter Duration
Question:
What is polar winter?

Replies:
Dear Courtney-

About a "polar winter..." Astronomically, it is the same length as winter anywhere else...3 months. But in a climate sense, it depends on how you define "winter." If we use a definition of a region where the average daily temperature is not above freezing, (where vegetation cannot grow) then there are several areas near both the north and south poles that would qualify for "continuous winter." Other things can affect the length of a winter period also, besides the distance from the poles. These might be elevation, and exposure, or how much sunshine an area receives.

So there is no simple answer to you question, Courtney. It is a good question though.

Wendell Bechtold

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