Antarctica, which is part of Antartica, is news with a group of scientists warning that global warming witnessed in this area must be studied to understand the changes that could impact the rest of the world.

So here's a brief on Antarctica, the southernmost continent of the world.

 

Antarctica is a continent of superlatives, with the coldest, windiest and driest climate on Earth. Antarctica contains 90% of the world's ice and 70% of its freshwater. The continent covers nearly 14 million square km, making it the fifth largest continent. Despite its harsh environment, Antarctica is home to a variety of wildlife including penguins, seals, whales and seabirds.

The exploration of Antarctica began in earnest in the early 20th century during the "Heroic Age" of Antarctic exploration. Roald Amundsen led the first expedition to reach the South Pole in 1911, followed by Robert Falcon Scott the next year. These explorers helped map much of the coastline and interior. Scientific study of Antarctica continued in the 1950s as part of the International Geophysical Year, which led to the establishment of permanent research bases across the continent by multiple nations.

Antarctica's climate is the coldest on Earth. The lowest temperature ever recorded was -89.2°C at Russia's Vostok station in 1983. Strong katabatic winds can reach speeds of 320 km/hr. Precipitation averages just 166 mm a year, classifying Antarctica as a desert. Antarctica's cold climate is driven by its high elevation, lack of vegetation, ocean currents and ozone hole. During winter, Antarctica doubles in size due to freezing surrounding ocean.

Penguins are iconic Antarctic wildlife. The four penguin species native to Antarctica include Emperor, Adelie, Chinstrap, and Gentoo penguins. Seal species include leopard, crabeater, Weddell and southern elephant seals. Whales found in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica include blue, humpback, killer and sperm whales. Antarctica's extreme environment allows cold-adapted animals to thrive with few predators.

Scientific research on Antarctica spans geology, glaciology, paleoclimatology, oceanography, astronomy and more. Understanding the continent's ice sheets, ocean currents and past climate helps scientists predict impacts of climate change. Research stations like McMurdo Station and Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station support hundreds of scientists each year, despite challenging logistics.

Protecting Antarctica's vulnerable environment continues to be an international priority. The Antarctic Treaty System began in 1959 and designates Antarctica as a scientific preserve. Mining is banned until at least 2048. However, threats remain from climate change, pollution, invasive species and tourism. Maintaining Antarctica as a pristine continental laboratory benefits all humanity.

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