Antarctica is, on average, the coldest, driest, and windiest of the continents, and it has the highest average elevation. It is mainly a polar desert, with annual precipitation of over 200 mm (8 in) along the coast and far less inland.

5 days ago · Antarctica, the world’s southernmost continent, is almost wholly covered by an ice sheet and is about 5.5 million square miles (14.2 million square km) in size.

Jul 2, 2025 · Cool Australian Antarctic Program news about wildlife, scientific research, stations (bases), expeditioners, ships, the environment and jobs in Antarctica.

Antarctica is the Earth 's southernmost and the continent with the least people. It is on the South Pole. It is almost entirely south of the Antarctic Circle. Around Antarctica is the Southern Ocean. It is the fifth-largest continent in area after Asia, Africa, North America, and South America. [2] . About 99% of Antarctica is covered by ice.

Without any ice, Antarctica would emerge as a giant peninsula and archipelago of mountainous islands, known as Lesser Antarctica, and a single large landmass about the size of Australia, …

Aug 9, 2023 · During summer, Antarctica is on the side of Earth tilted toward the sun and is in constant sunlight. In the winter, Antarctica is on the side of Earth tilted away from the sun, …

Jun 16, 2025 · Antarctica, a continent of unparalleled ice and stark beauty, is Earth’s southernmost landmass, representing a vital frontier for scientific research and a testament to nature’s formidable power.

Jun 11, 2018 · Antarctica is generally described as having two parts, West Antarctica and East Antarctica. West Antarctica lies directly south of the South American continent, and includes the Antarctic Peninsula, which extends farther north than any other part of the continent.

Apr 17, 2025 · Antarctica is the coldest, windiest and driest continent on Earth. The Antarctic ice sheet contains about 7.2 million cubic miles (30 million cubic kilometers) in an area just under …

Antarctica is much more than just an icy pole for our planet – it is vital for our survival too. Learn how Antarctica plays an important role in regulating the Earth's temperature and oceans, storing carbon and a vital habitat for countless species in the Southern Ocean.