- Antarctica
Antarctica has always been the center of curiosity for scientists and environmentalists. So is it true for common people because it is the only continent on earth’s with least access for exploration. This continent is encapsulating the south pole of earth and is surrounded by southern ocean. Here are some amazing, interesting and useful facts about Antarctica that you should know:
- Antarctica is world’s fifth largest continent and is located on earth’s south pole.
- Most of the area of Antarctica is covered by an ice layer whose depth is up to 2 kilo meter and spread over an area of 13.8 million square kilometer.
- The minimum natural temperature ever recorded is -89°C which is the minimum ever recorded on earth.
- This continent has about 90% of world’s ice and therefore a source of about 70% of the world’s fresh water.
- The ocean surrounding the Antarctica has world’s richest marine life and biodiversity.
- Antarctica treaty, which was formed in year 1961 has proposed a guideline for the use precious resources. It’s main function is to prevent this continent for being used for military or commercial purposes.
- Several international agencies carry out research activities in Antarctica for scientific developments.
- There are no territorial claims in Antarctica. That means it acts as a “No Man’s Land”.
- Antarctica has a vast resource of minerals and ores but the difficulty of extraction and highly uneconomical conditions has prevented this content from being exploited.
- Human activities in this continent has raised an alarm among climatologists to preserve its natural habitats and diversity. Solid waste due to increasing tourism and rising oil spills have posed a threat to the ecosystem of this continent.
- The ice in Antarctica is around 3-4 km thick at its deepest point.
- The ice in Antarctica can raise the level of world’s seas and oceans by 200-210 feet if it melts completely.
Here is a great video on Antarctica expeditions and exploration by National Geographic.
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