It’s time to explore the icy wonderland at the bottom of the world: Antarctica. Uncover the mysteries, marvels, and unique characteristics of this remote and fascinating continent. From its extreme climate and breathtaking landscapes to its unparalleled scientific importance and remarkable wildlife, Antarctica holds a plethora of secrets waiting to be discovered.

1. Antarctic is the largest desert in the world.

Antarctica is the largest desert in the world by area.

Despite being covered by ice, it receives very little precipitation, making it technically a desert.

It’s even drier than some of the world’s hot deserts like the Sahara.

2. It’s the coldest place on Earth.

The lowest temperature ever recorded on Earth was in Antarctica.

On July 21, 1983, the Soviet Vostok Station recorded a bone-chilling temperature of -89.2 degrees Celsius.

3. The ice in Antarctica can be up to 3 miles thick!

The ice in Antarctica is incredibly thick, with an average thickness of about 1.2 miles.

In some places, the ice can be as thick as 3 miles.

4. It holds about 70% of the world’s fresh water.

Antarctica holds about 70% of the world’s fresh water in the form of ice.

If all the ice were to melt, it would significantly contribute to a rise in global sea levels.

Plastic in the sea is bad! Find out more with Marina Ventura.

5. Antarctica has no permanent residents!

While Antarctica has no permanent residents, it does have temporary inhabitants.

During the summer months, scientists and support staff from various countries inhabit research stations across the continent.

However, the population drops dramatically during the harsh winter months.

6. There’s believed to be 400 hidden lakes!

Deep beneath the icy surface of Antarctica, it’s believed there are over 400 hidden lakes!

One of the biggest and most mysterious is called Lake Vostok. It’s been buried under 2.5 miles of ice for millions of years.

Scientists are curious about Lake Vostok because they think it might have special kinds of life that we’ve never seen before.

7. During summer there is constant daylight.

Due to its location near the South Pole, Antarctica experiences periods of constant daylight during its summer months.

This phenomenon, known as the “midnight sun,” occurs because the sun remains above the horizon for several days in a row.

8. There are lots of icebergs in the sea.

Antarctica produces a significant number of icebergs.

The Weddell Sea, in particular, is known as “Iceberg Alley” due to the high concentration of icebergs that calve from glaciers along its coast.

9. There’s an Antarctic ozone hole.

Antarctica is infamous for the Antarctic ozone hole, which forms annually during the Southern Hemisphere’s spring (September to November).

This hole in the ozone layer allows harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun to reach the Earth’s surface, posing risks to both human health and the environment.

Learn more about climate change.

10. The first confirmed sighting of Antarctica was in 1820.

The first confirmed sighting of Antarctica is credited to the Russian expedition led by Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen and Mikhail Lazarev on 27th January, 1820.

However, the first landing on the continent is attributed to John Davis, who stepped foot on Antarctica in February 1821.

Who lives in Antarctica?

No people live in Antarctica all year round — only scientists and visitors, who come and go. But it is far from empty. Penguins, seals and whales all live there, and every one of them gets its food from the sea, because almost nothing grows on the ice.

Most penguins leave when winter comes. The emperor penguin is the only kind that stays through the long, dark Antarctic winter, huddling together to keep warm.

And Antarctica belongs to nobody. Dozens of countries have signed an agreement called the Antarctic Treaty, which says no single country can own it, and that it should be used for peace and science.

Where in the world?

Antarctica is the coldest of the seven continents, and the only one nobody lives on permanently.