Antarctica

Antarctica is a huge continent covered in thick ice and snow. It sits at the South Pole, the bottom of our planet. It is the coldest place on Earth. No people live there all the time. But scientists visit to study the land, ice, and animals. Penguins, seals, and whales call this frozen place home.

A Land of Ice

Almost all of Antarctica is covered by a giant sheet of ice. This ice is very thick. In some spots, it is miles deep. The ice holds most of the fresh water on Earth. Tall mountains poke up through the ice. There are even a few volcanoes. The land under the ice has valleys and lakes, but you cannot see them.

Animals and Weather

Antarctica is home to many cool animals. Penguins waddle on the ice and swim in the sea. Seals rest on floating ice. Whales swim in the cold waters nearby. The weather is very harsh. Winds blow fast and strong. In winter, it is dark for months. In summer, the sun shines all day and night.

Fun Facts

• Antarctica is the driest continent and is actually a huge desert.
• The lowest temperature ever recorded on Earth was in Antarctica, about minus 128 degrees Fahrenheit.
• No country owns Antarctica, and many nations share it for science.

Did You Know?

Antarctica has no time zones, so scientists there often use the time zone of their home country.