Geography of Antarctica

Antarctica covers the southern pole of the planet.  Ice covers 98% of the land surface.  This ice hold 70% of the freshwater on Earth.  In places, the ice is 14,000 feet deep and 100,000 years old.  The highest of any continent, Antarctica's elevation and location make it the coldest place on Earth.  The world's lowest yearly air temperatures, averaging about -126F are recorded in eastern Antarctica.

Antarctica is jointly controlled through an Antarctic Treaty system.  By international agreement, activity on Antartica is limited to scientific research.  Scientists on Antartica use the year-round research stations to gather data bout weather patterns, environmental changes, marine ecology, and astronomy.  They also study the constant changes to Antarctica's frozen surface.  The treaty bans exploitation of mineral resources on the frozen continent until 2041.

Antarctica is the Earth's highest, driest, windiest, and coldest continent, but some species of mosses, algae, and lichens thrive along the coasts.  Despite the harsh climate, the marine ecosystem surrounding Antartica is teeming with organisms.  In addition to dolphins, seals, and whales, there are over a dozen species of penguin found in Antarctica.  There are many species of birds as well.

LEARNING

Geography of the Human and Physical World - page 820-825

Photos of Antarctica
Antarctic wildlife
Larson C Ice Shelf
Facts about Antarctica
Ice shelf gains and losses