Antarctica, Continental landmass near the South Pole
Description
This continent extends across 14 million square kilometers (5.4 million square miles), with 98 percent of its surface covered by ice sheets averaging 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) in thickness.
History
Russian explorer Bellingshausen sighted this landmass in January 1820, followed by American seal hunter John Davis who made landfall in February 1821.
Culture
The Antarctic Treaty of 1959 designated this continent as international territory for scientific research and environmental protection, suspending all national territorial claims indefinitely.
Practical
More than 4,000 scientists work at research stations distributed across the continent, conducting year-round studies on climate change, marine biology and geological formations.
Did you know?
Mount Vinson rises as the highest point to 16,050 feet (4,892 meters) in the Ellsworth Mountains, where temperatures can reach minus 58 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 50 degrees Celsius).
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Antarctic Treaty area).
The world's largest desert expanses range from the poles to subtropical areas. From Antarctica with its 14 million square kilometers to the Mojave plains, these regions are characterized by extreme conditions and low rainfall. Polar deserts dominate in area, followed by hot deserts like the Sahara...
Heard Island and McDonald Islands
4116.9 km
Torres del Paine National Park
4343.3 km
Perito Moreno Glacier
4399 km
Gough Island
5530.3 km
Blood Falls
1366.8 km
Bharati Station
2292.4 km
Dakshin Gangotri
2216 km
Marambio Station
2867.4 kmMawson Peak
4107.2 km
Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station
278 m
Mirny Station
2610.2 km
Zavodovski Island
3751.4 km
Fin del Mundo Lighthouse
3926 km
Cueva del Milodón Natural Monument
4278.5 km
Norwegian Anglican Church
3976.3 km
Southern Fuegian Railway
3914.7 km
Fuerte Bulnes
4048.7 km
Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse
3910.5 km
Mawson Station
2493.3 km
Big Ben
4107.5 km
Orcadas Station
3257.2 km
Sharp Peak
3058.6 km
Monte León National Park
4415.2 km
Puerto del Hambre
4051.2 km
Princess Elisabeth Antarctica
2009.3 km
Mount Paget
3957.4 km
Grey Glacier
4347 km
Water resources management in Chile
4347 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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