Icebergs in Antarctica Buy this Canvas Transfer at AllPosters.com |
Antarctica is the fifth largest continent and located almost entirely south of the 65°S latitude, also known as the Antarctic Circle. Nearly 15.5 million km2 / 6 million mi2, 98% is covered by a sheet of ice averging 1500m / 5000 ft in depth. The 22,400km / 14,000mi coastline consists mainly of high ice cliffs. The land is surrounded by an ice-filled ring of ocean waters containing scattered island groups.
The climate is harsh with outward blowing winds, often of hurricane force. Blizzards are common, especially in autumn and winter. The lowest temperature ever recorded on Earth, -128.6°F (-89.2°C), was experienced at Vostok Station;
There are no flowering plants, grasses, or large land mammals. Instead there are species of algae, moss, lichen, and sea plankton which provide food for fish, birds, whales, and seals.
Human inhabitants are limited to the 10,000 scientists who temporarily live at various research stations studying things from microbiology to space. The Antarctic Treaty, signed by the 12 nations with bases on the continent in 1959, provides for international co-operation in scientific research, and prohibits military operations, nuclear explosions, and disposal of radioactive waste. A 50-year ban on mining and mineral extraction was added in 1991. Territorial claims made by the UK (British Antarctic Territory), Norway (Dronning Maud Land), France (Terre Adélie), Australia (Enderby Land, Wilkes Land, George V Coast, part of Oates Coast), New Zealand (160°E to 150°W), Chile (90°W to 53°W), and Argentina (74°W to 25°W).
