The areas surrounding the North and South poles are known as what?

The areas surrounding the North and South poles are referred to as polar regions. This term encompasses the Arctic region, surrounding the North Pole, and the Antarctic region, surrounding the South Pole.

Polar regions are characterized by extreme cold temperatures, ice-covered surfaces, and unique ecosystems adapted to harsh climates. The significant amount of ice and snow found in these areas reflects sunlight, contributing to their low temperatures. Moreover, these regions have a distinct climate with limited sunlight during winter months and continuous daylight during summer months.

The other options refer to different climate zones: tropical regions are known for their warm temperatures and high humidity, temperate regions have moderate weather with distinct seasons, and equatorial regions are situated around the equator, also experiencing warm climates. Each of these terms describes specific geographical areas that are significantly different from the polar regions.