10 Crazy Facts About Antarctica

Antarctica is one of the most extreme places on Earth. It is the least explored place on earth. Despite being cold and remote, Antarctica holds many fascinating secrets and shocking facts. Here are some of the most interesting facts about this frozen land.

• 1. It’s the Coldest Place on Earth

  

  Antarctica holds the record for the lowest temperature ever recorded on Earth: -128.6°F (-89.2°C) at the Soviet Union’s Vostok Station in 1983. Even in summer, temperatures rarely rise above freezing, especially in the interior.

• 2. Antarctica Is a Desert

  

  Although it’s covered in ice, Antarctica is actually the driest continent. It receives less than 2 inches (50 mm) of precipitation annually in its interior, which classifies it as a polar desert. Most of the moisture comes in the form of snow near the coasts.

• 3. It Contains 90% of the World’s Ice

  

  Approximately 70% of the world’s fresh water and 90% of its ice are stored in Antarctica. If all of the ice were to melt, sea levels could rise by about 200 feet (60 meters), drastically changing coastlines around the globe.

• 4. No Permanent Residents

  

  Unlike any other continent, Antarctica has no cities or permanent human population. Only scientists and support staff live there temporarily in research stations. Population numbers vary from around 1,000 in winter to 5,000 in summer.

• 5. The Sun Doesn’t Rise (or Set) for Months

  

  Because of its position at the Earth’s South Pole, Antarctica experiences periods of complete daylight in summer and total darkness in winter. At the South Pole, the sun rises once in September and sets once in March.

• 6. It Has Active Volcanoes

  

  Antarctica is home to Mount Erebus, the southernmost active volcano in the world. It even has a persistent lava lake, one of only a few known to exist. Volcanic activity under the ice also contributes to melting and shifting glaciers.

• 7. There Are Hidden Lakes Beneath the Ice

  

  Scientists have discovered more than 400 subglacial lakes beneath Antarctica's thick ice sheets. One of the most famous, Lake Vostok, lies under over 2 miles (3.7 km) of ice and has been sealed off for millions of years, potentially housing unknown forms of microbial life.

• 8. No Country Owns It

  

  Antarctica is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System, signed in 1959. It preserves the continent for peaceful scientific research and bans military activity. Over 50 countries have agreed to keep Antarctica free from exploitation and territorial claims.

• 9. Wildlife Thrives Along the Coast

  

  While the interior is inhospitable, the coastal areas support a range of life. Species like emperor penguins, leopard seals, orcas, and krill are well-adapted to the cold environment. There are also mosses, lichens, and tiny invertebrates like nematodes.

• 10. You Can Visit as a Tourist

  

  Despite its isolation, Antarctica is a growing destination for adventurous travelers. Tourists usually visit by cruise ship during the summer months (November to March). Regulations limit visitor numbers to protect the fragile environment.