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Antarctica

Explore the world's southernmost continent, where ice holds the secrets of our planet's past.

Map of Antarctica

Antarctica, the fifth-largest continent, is a mesmerizing land of ice and solitude. It is the coldest, driest, and windiest place on Earth. Covering an area of approximately 14 million square kilometers, this frozen kingdom remains uninhabited, except for a few scientific research stations.

Image of penguins jumping into water.

Antarctica's extreme environment offers unparalleled opportunities for scientific study, particularly in the fields of climate change, glaciology, and biodiversity. The continent's mesmerizing landscapes are adorned with towering glaciers, pristine icebergs, and vast ice shelves. Wildlife thrives here, with penguins, seals, and whales gracing the icy shores. The ethereal beauty of Antarctica reminds us of the fragile nature of our planet and the urgent need for conservation.

Quick Facts

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The coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth at the Soviet Union's Vostok Station on July 21st, 1983. Antarctica still holds that record today, at -89.2°C (-128.6°F).

With windspeeds that reach up to 322 kilometers per hour (200 miles per hour), Antarctica is the driest continent on earth with an annual precipitation rate of 200 milimeters (8 inches).

During the Antarctic winter, parts of Antarctica experience the "Polar Night" phenomenon, where the sun remains below the horizon for several months, resulting in continuous darkness.

In the Antarctic summer, regions closer to the South Pole encounter the "Midnight Sun," where the sun remains above the horizon for several months, resulting in continuous daylight.

The Antarctic ice sheet's average thickness is about 1.9 kilometers (1.2 miles), containing approximately 70% of the world's fresh water, making it the largest single mass of ice on Earth. For reference, the average depth of the Grand Canyon in the United States is about 1.6 kilometers (1 miles).