About Antarctica
The coldest, highest, windiest, driest continent on Earth. A vast, unspoiled land that has challenged explorers and inspired dreamers through the centuries.
Antarctic Environment
Antarctica is a place of beauty and mystery, covered with ice miles deep. About 98% of Antarctica is covered by the Antarctic ice sheet, averaging at least 1.0 mile (1.6 km) thick.
Size
Nearly 1½ times the size of the USA, twice the size of Australia
Elevation
Highest continent on Earth: average elevation 8,200ft (2,500m)
Temperature
Coldest continent: lowest recorded -128.6°F (-89.2°C)
Wind
Windiest continent: speeds up to 204 mph (327 km/h)
Key Facts
Polar History
The Heroic Age of Antarctic exploration produced some of the most legendary figures in polar history.
Roald Amundsen
Led the first expedition to reach the South Pole on December 14, 1911. One of the most successful polar explorers ever born.
Captain Robert Scott
British Royal Navy officer who led two expeditions to Antarctica, including the ill-fated Terra Nova Expedition.
Ernest Shackleton
Led the Nimrod expedition reaching latitude 88°23'S and famously rescued his crew from the Endurance expedition.
Modern Antarctic Mountaineering
The 2016 Antarctic season marked 50 years since the first ascent of Antarctica's four highest peaks by the American Antarctic Mountaineering Expedition (AAME). Mount Vinson, Antarctica's highest peak at 16,050 ft (4,892 m), was first summited on December 18, 1966.
Antarctic Treaty
The Antarctic Treaty System governs international relations with respect to Antarctica, ensuring the continent remains a natural reserve devoted to peace and science.
Peaceful Use
Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only
Scientific Freedom
Freedom of scientific investigation and cooperation
Environmental Protection
Protection of the Antarctic environment and dependent ecosystems
No Military Activity
Prohibition of military activity, nuclear explosions, and radioactive waste disposal
Treaty Facts
Key Principle: Antarctica belongs to no single country and is managed through international cooperation for the benefit of all humanity.
Antarctic Wildlife
Despite its harsh conditions, Antarctica supports a unique ecosystem of marine and terrestrial life.
Emperor Penguins
True Antarctic residents, breeding exclusively on the continent
Marine Life
Blue whales, orcas, colossal squids, and fur seals
Snow Petrels
One of only three birds that breed exclusively in Antarctica
Microscopic Life
Mites, nematodes, tardigrades, and ancient bacteria
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