Thicker areas called ice shelves stay frozen all the time. Austr They grow up to 20 cm long, and 10 cm wide. The first person to reach the South Pole was Roald Amundsen, a Norwegian explorer, who planted the Norwegian flag there in December 1911. The Dry Valleys in Antarctica are the driest places on earth. Ships use this current to move faster when going in the same direction. You can feel the higher temperature along the coast in January. 50 Amazing Facts About Antarctica Introduction. Antarctica is home to Mount Erebus - the southern-most active volcano in the world - as well as the only known "lava lakes," which have held liquid magma for eons despite the continent's frigid conditions. 1/ Why doesn't it rain in Antarctica ? The continent is divided into East Antarctica (which is largely composed of a high ice-covered plateau) and West Antarctica (which is largely an ice sheet covering an archipelago of mountainous islands). Geologists collect evidence and piece together Antarctica’s history from today back to when it was part of the Gondwana supercontinent. Scientists extract them by drilling down through an ice sheet and pulling out a solid core of ice. It is the second-highest peak in Antarctica and an active volcano. Scientists also say there may be lakes they haven’t discovered yet under all the ice. Instead, there is and abuncande of lichen and bacterial colonies. Whether it’s snakes, lizards, or any other reptiles, you won’t find any of them in Antarctica. The lake itself has an area of 12,500 km², and a volume of 12,500 km³. There are at least eight churches used for religious practice in Antarctica. This is a surprise to some people – including me. Antarctica’s reputation as a frozen land at the bottom of the world might make it seem an uninteresting place, but nothing can be further from the truth. Contrary to this intense cold , there are also relatively warm regions in Antarctica, such as the Antarctic Peninsula, where temperatures can reach around 0 ºC. 2. Facts about Antarctica Climate. An incredible 60-90% of the world’s fresh water is locked in Antarctica’s vast ice sheet. This continent was expected to have a landmass equal to that of the northern lands. The highest temperature in Antarctica ever recorded came in two places of Hope Bay and Vanda Stations. The extreme weather and logistic problem make Antarctica as one of the difficult to visit places on the planet. Even with how cold Antarctica is, the dryness of the air makes it easy for a fire to start and spread, and hard to extinguish. There’s one for ironic Antarctica facts. 3. It means southern land in Latin. Antarctica is one of the harshest places on Earth. In terms of total area, Antarctica is the fifth largest continent of the world. Antarctica is the southernmost continent on Earth. Seals and penguins are bigger, but they spend much of their time in the water. Facts About Antarctica. Scientists today are still unsure as to the worms’ diet. Metallica’s Antarctic concert took place at Carlini Station for an hour. (Much of the peninsula lies north of the Antarctic Circle.) Facts About Antarctica Antarctica is that the only continent without reptiles. Even in summer, the temperature never rises above zero, while in winter the sun never rises. Aurora borealis, also known as northern or southern lights, appear as shimmering ribbons of light in the atmosphere. Prior to being owned by Ukraine in 1996, the station was named the Faraday Station under British control. In March of 2000, an ice chunk broke off the Ross Ice Shelf that was 270 kilometres long and 40 kilometres wide or roughly the size of the state of Connecticut. In fact, Antarctica has over 90% of the world’s ice. Lose some. antarctica. If you now want to learn more about that beautiful continent you should read the following 25 fun facts about Antarctica. Antarctica is the best place to go searching for meteorites if you ever find yourself there that is. Since Antarctica is covered by ice, large amounts of solar radiation reflects away from Earth’s surface. There are 3 reasons for this: First is that the Arctic is only ice floating on water. Personal communications are the lowest priority, with people sometimes only getting as little as 10 minutes to access the network. Advertising cookies are set to manage how our advertising collect information about your activities on this site, in order to provide you relevant targeted advertising. Located in West Antarctica, Mount Vinson stands at a height of 4.89 km high. 8. In 1978 Emilio Palma became the first document child to have been born in Antarctica. 40 research stations operate all year round. You’ll thank me for it! The bar retains the old name of Faraday Bar, even after the rest of the station switched to a Ukrainian name. It’s also called the Southern Ocean, distinct from the oceans to the north. This was the first known human casualty of a leopard seal attack. Now it seems that the lowest temperature in Antarctica is far below than -89 Celsius. Check out our fun Antarctica facts for kids and enjoy a wide range of interesting information related to the icy continent found at the southern part of the globe. This higher elevation is partly due to the fact that most of Antarctica is in the east. There aren’t any grass, trees or similar plant life in Antarctica. Out in the wilderness, it’s not a problem, since there’s nothing to burn. On the southern-most tip of the planet rests one of the world's most massive and mysterious landmasses - the frozen realm of Antarctica. Antarctica only became covered in ice starting around 15 million years ago, as it drifted towards the Earth’s south pole. 1. Iceberg B-15 broke off from the Ross Ice Shelf in March 2000 and drifted north into the Atlantic Ocean. Britain, France, and Norway, and both Australia and New Zealand own territories in Antarctica. 5. Now that’s one for cool Antarctica facts. Measuring 295 km long and 37 km wide, the iceberg had a surface area of 11,000 km². 25+ Amazing Antarctica Facts For Kids. In fact, Antarctica’s landscape is what’s called a polar desert. 2. There is little or no running water. Geographers mark the 60th Parallel as the Southern Ocean’s northern boundary, with its opposite being the Antarctic coast. 10 Weather-Fueled Facts about Antarctica. It is one of the most important facts about Antarctica. Air New Zealand Flight 901 was an aerial tour of Antarctica from Auckland. amanda zeisset. Animals with glycoproteins include the Antarctic eelpout, inland bacteria, and lichens. Hence, Antarctica is named as the “land without bears.” Interestingly, even the great Polar Bears don’t exist in Antarctica! It's seriously dry. *. Pam Young, Jean Pearson, Lois Jones, Eileen McSaveney, Kay Lindsay and Terry Tickhill became the first women to reach the south pole in 1969. As of 2019, scientists say the hole is at its smallest since 1982. During winter, the Earth is always at its furthest from the Sun, while in summer, it is at its closest. 3. All personnel sent to Antarctica see a dentist before leaving. Despite the success of her pregnancy, Argentina’s claims remain contested by the international community. Photo: Genna Roland, Andreas Kalvig Anderson and Karsten Bidstrup. These two settlements developed around permanent research stations on the continent. On the southernmost tip of the planet sits one of the world's most massive and mysterious landmasses: the frozen realm of Antarctica. ANTARCTICA IS THE COLDEST PLACE ON EARTH The annual average temperature is -58° F. You only have to look. In fact, the coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth was -90 ºC at Antarctica's Vostok station. For its part, vast forests like those in Northern Europe today covered West Antarctica. Belief in Antarctica’s existence goes back to the 1st century AD. Temperatures reached a peak of 18.3°C, beating the 2015 record of 17.5°C. Your email address will not be published. Between the currents of the lava and the Earth’s oceans acting as a lubricant, these plates move around all the time. The Gamburtsev Mountains run for about 1,200 km across the continent in East Antarctica. Well, they didn’t get that name for no reason. To protect the environment, the band played in a private room, with sound and images broadcast to audiences across the continent. With all of that fresh water held in the ice sheet, how could Antarctica be a desert? With such low humidity and moisture on this portion of the continent, snow and ice cannot even accumulate, which leaves the valleys as just a dusty expanse of dirt. As it leaves the overlying glacier, the iron oxidizes with oxygen in the air, giving the water a blood-like color. In fact, Antarctica’s landscape is what’s called a polar desert. Here are 25 Kickass and Interesting Facts About Antarctica. 10 Weather-Fueled Facts about Antarctica. Its name comes from a US Congressman from Georgia, Carl Vinson, in memory of his support for Antarctic expeditions. Scientists attribute the strange color to the iron deposits underneath the lake, with flowing with the water. 12 nations implemented the Antarctic Treaty System on June 23, 1961. By far the coldest continent, Antarctica has winter temperatures that range from −128.6 °F (−89.2 °C), the world’s lowest recorded temperature, measured at Vostok Station (Russia) on July 21, 1983, on the high inland ice sheet to −76 °F (−60 °C) near sea level. Scientists have special permits for drones to study the environment and even wildlife. The Antarctic ice sheet is the largest on Earth, covering an incredible 14 million km² (5.4 million square miles) of Antarctic mountain ranges, valleys and plateaus. When there’s not enough water for them to live, the nematodes freeze themselves. 1. Facts about Antarctica’s Climate 9: the precipitation. But it makes so much sense that you need to wear sunscreen in Antarctica. Some of these are necessary to make the website work, others give you a tailor-made experience and relevant marketing. People usually picture penguins when they think about the animals in Antarctica. Iceberg in Antarctica Sound. Here’s some super-cool facts about Antarctica we bet you didn’t know… 1. The exploitation of these resources is not allowed under the Antarctic Treaty, but it is set to expire in 2048. The simple answer is that it's too cold. But, the amazing facts about Antarctica is going to blow your mind and may […] Map showing the three regions of Antarctica. It starts and finishes at Bellingshausen Station, and runs past Artigas, Frei, and Great Wall Bases. 1. What lives in Antarctica? Facts about Antarctica’s Climate 8: The Antarctic Peninsula. Antarctica Facts and Information 1) Where is Antarctica on the globe? It is Home to the Driest Place on Earth The Dry Valleys in Antarctica are the driest places on earth. 1. 39 thoughts on “ 10 Fun Facts About Antarctica ” Ray says: September 26, 2018 at 11:46 pm So what will happen there if things continued to get worse due to climate change. A 7-day cruise in Antarctica may cost from 7000 USD to 15.000 USD, excluding flights. Read also: 20 Facts about North America Society Nature History More. That is warm water rises and cold water sinks, bringing nutrients with it across the levels of the water. 15 Interesting Facts About Antarctica. Definitely one of the Antarctica facts you have to see for yourself. Sled dogs pulled the sleds and sleighs of the first explorers on Antarctica, and worked for scientists for decades. In fact, they’re also called Colossal Squid to set them apart. Starting from the incredibly drawn natural glaciers, largest icebergs, and uniquely created residential areas, this country is full of some exciting places and facts which can leave the person in complete shock. 25 Interesting Facts About Antarctica:-Antarctica is that the largest desert within the world. Photo: Audun Dahl. Should the ice on this part of the continent melt, sea levels will rise by at least 3.3. meters. They, too, are found only in the Arctic region! Here’s some of the most interesting facts about Antarctica that are sure to spark your interest in this place. The flat and unbroken central region of the continent allows winds to reach high speeds over vast distances. The most recent eruption was in 1972 and continued until 1992. Scientists estimate Mount Erebus has erupted many times over the last 1 million years. Instead, the people in the research stations on the continent use the time zones of their countries of origin. The glare of reflected sunlight makes it even harder to notice these dangers until you’re on top of them – and by then, it’s already too late. The total area of Antarctica is 5,100,100 Sq miles. Lake Vostok isn’t an underground lake, but a subglacial one. Antartica continent also plays a vital role in protecting earth from global warming. The continent is generally circular in shape and covers the entire South Pole. The Antarctica Marathon is held every year in February or March. This hypothesis draws from the way inland ice sheets stay unaffected by global warming so far. What would be rain falls as snow instead, but not very much of that falls either, Antarctica is classed as a desert as so little snow falls, it's just that being so cold, it doesn't go anywhere and so builds up until it's kilometers thick. With the lowest number of permanent residents in the country, Antarctica has to be one of the most amazing places which could be visited by humans. There’s no need for Antarctica to establish an official timezone, as the continent has no government nor citizens of its own. Antarctica is the coldest and most inhospitable continent on planet Earth. Many scientists think this increase is due to global warming in Antarctica. Antarctica is, on average, the windiest place on earth. Here are some interesting facts about Antarctica. Antarctica is the best place to go searching for meteorites if you ever find yourself there that is. Indicative of this warming trend is the fact that four ice shelves on the peninsula are melting rapidly. Our collection of best interesting facts about Antarctica. Depending on the season, there are only between 1000 to 5000 people in Antarctica. There are cracks and rifts in the ice, many of them hidden by thin ice that cover a fall of hundreds of meters. CFCs strongly-react with ozone, a special molecule of oxygen that prevents ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the surface. According to "15 Interesting Facts About Antarctica," the continent has earned a reputation for being the best place to find fallen space rocks. There is some truth to the urban legend, since doctors need to get their appendix removed before getting posted to Antarctica. This lake is about the size of Lake Ontario and is one of more than 200 different bodies of water that has been discovered beneath the ice. One of the most interesting facts about Antarctica is the contradiction between the dry climate and the amount of water (70% of the water on Earth). 8. Thinner areas called ice sheets melt in summer only to freeze again in winter. Antarctica is the southernmost continent and it is the coldest, driest, windiest continent of the world. Study also shows that while the glacier has existed for around 400,000 years, the lake is older. The increase in UV radiation caused cancer rates to spike. He beat the Brits by only about a week. Enrich your knowledge and increase your chances of winning at your next pub quiz with these 20 cool facts. Wilkins Ice Shelf’s collapse from 2008 to 2009 followed the said trend. Only a very few people are aware of the fact that Antarctica also a dessert which hasn’t received any kind of rain or snowfall for 2 million years. Some parts of Antarctica haven’t experienced rain or snow in two million years. Photo: Marsel van Oosten, Karsten Bidstrup and Andrea Klaussner. If Antarctica’s ice sheet melted, the world’s oceans would rise by 60 to 65 meters. All life in Antarctica depends on the ice around the continent. Antarctica is the only continent in the world where you will not find any reptiles. If you now want to learn more about that beautiful continent you should read the following 25 fun facts about Antarctica. Antarctica is the southernmost continent on the planet.