Antarctica is the southernmost continent on Earth, surrounded by the waters of three oceans: the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic. It covers over 14 million square kilometers and stands out for having the strongest solar radiation, the most powerful winds, and the lowest relative humidity.
History
The first mention of the mysterious “Antarctic region” appears in Aristotle’s writings. The continent’s name originates from a word meaning “opposite to the Arctic,” or “from the opposite end of the north.” The existence of the continent had been hypothesized, with some thinking it was connected to South America. In 1821, the crew of the American ship Cecilia managed to land on the continent.
General Information
Antarctica is the highest continent in the world, with an average elevation of over 2 kilometers above sea level, reaching 4 kilometers in some areas. The continent is mostly covered in ice, with only 0.3% of the surface ice-free.
Antarctica is divided into two parts by the Transantarctic Mountains. The eastern part hosts the Soviet Plateau, while the western region consists of mountainous islands covered in ice. Modern research has shown that about 30% of Antarctica’s landscape lies below sea level.
Interesting Facts
Here are some intriguing facts about Antarctica:
- Antarctica has no official population or government, but around 4,000 people, including researchers and support staff, live there permanently.
- The continent has its own flag, featuring the outline of Antarctica, and even its own currency used exclusively on the continent.
- The warmest temperatures occur in February, while the coldest are recorded in August.
- Staff rotation at Antarctic research stations takes place in February.
- About 50 million years ago, Antarctica was a tropical continent with dense forests and a diverse array of animals. Scientists believe the continent could thaw again in the future due to greenhouse gases.
- When Antarctica’s glaciers melt, Earth’s rotation may slow down due to changes in gravitational load.
- Certain areas of Antarctica haven’t seen precipitation for over 2 million years, known as “dry valleys.”
- In 1984, Pinochet established a small settlement in Antarctica with a hospital, school, and even a post office.
- Antarctica is home to emperor penguins, and the most common life form is the wingless Antarctic midge, measuring 10-15 millimeters in length.
- Contrary to popular belief, polar bears do not live in Antarctica—it’s too cold for them.
- If all of Antarctica’s ice melts, global sea levels could rise by 60 meters, leading to catastrophic consequences.
- There are two active volcanoes on the continent, with Erebus being the most active, known as “the volcano guarding the way to the South Pole.”
- In 2017, scientists from Edinburgh discovered 91 hidden volcanoes under Antarctica’s ice shield, comparable to East Africa’s volcanic system.
Antarctica is one of the world’s most mysterious continents. Once a tropical paradise, it is now a frozen desert, concealing most of its secrets beneath a thick layer of ice. What other surprises does Antarctica hold? Scientists have yet to uncover them.