Antarctica
Frozen, vast, and largely untouched, Antarctica is Earth’s last true wilderness and one of its greatest scientific frontiers. Beneath towering glaciers and swirling katabatic winds lies a living laboratory for climate change, plate tectonics, and extremophile life. With no native human population, this icy continent belongs to no one and everyone. From studying ancient ice cores to observing resilient wildlife like emperor penguins and krill, Antarctica challenges explorers not just to survive, but to listen. In this silence, science speaks volumes.
Geographic Scope – The southernmost continent, ~14 million km²—about twice the size of Australia. It’s 98% covered by ice, averaging 1.9 km thick.
Biomes & Climate Zones – Classified as a polar desert; some inland areas haven’t seen rain in over 2 million years. (AP Environmental Science: extreme biome.)
Population & Density – No permanent residents; ~1,000–5,000 rotating researchers in summer, ~1,000 in winter. (AP Human Geo: temporary settlements & population mobility.)
Cultural Snapshot – Governed by the Antarctic Treaty System, a global agreement that bans military activity and mining, and promotes scientific cooperation.
Fun “Identity” Fact – Antarctica is the highest continent (average elevation ~2,500 m), thanks to its thick ice sheet.
Student
Spotlights
Meet the next generation of global explorers. In this section, students share their journeys through videos and written stories, bringing real-world experiences to life with curiosity, insight, and creativity.
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Field
Notes
Regions
East Antarctica
West Antartica
Antarctic Peninsula