Antarctic Secrets: 10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About

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Antarctica is one of the most enigmatic places on Earth — far more than just ice and penguins. Beneath its vast sheets of ice lies a world full of geological wonders, surprising ecosystems, and historic mysteries. Here are 10 fascinating facts about Antarctica that many people don’t know.

Division of the Continent into Regions

Antarctica covers a vast area about 1.5 times the size of the United States. The continent is divided into two regions: East and West Antarctica. The eastern region is the largest, representing two-thirds of the continent.

The continent is characterized by actual mountain ranges that divide it, such as the Transantarctic Mountains. These ranges are considered among the tallest mountain ranges in the world.

In earlier geological ages, such as the Mesozoic era, there were no ice divisions. Fossils and evidence indicate that Antarctica was rich in forests, living organisms, and even dinosaurs!

Its Classification as a Desert

Because Antarctica receives only between 5 and 15 centimeters of precipitation annually, it is officially classified as a desert. The driest area on the continent is known as the “Dry Valleys,” which have not seen rain or snow for more than two million years!

In addition to being dry, Antarctica is the windiest place in the world, with some winds reaching speeds of 320 kilometers per hour. Although it is a desert, it retains the equivalent of 70% of the freshwater on Earth.

Maps and Landmarks

Despite the rarity of humans living in Antarctica, there are accurate maps that help even reveal prominent places like the South Pole. The continent includes the largest ice shelf in the world, the Ross Ice Shelf, with a size equivalent to France.

The seas surrounding the continent carry names such as the Ross Sea, Amundsen Sea, and Weddell Sea. However, we will not find anyone swimming in these icy waters anytime soon!

The Antarctic Treaty

The Antarctic Treaty was signed on the 1st of December 1959 by 12 countries, aiming to prevent military activities on the continent in order to avoid international conflicts. The treaty has grown to include 53 countries. Since then, military exercises, mining, and the storage of nuclear waste have been banned.

There is even a village in Antarctica built by Chile that contains a school, hospital, post office, and a hotel. In addition, the introduction of non-native animals to the continent has been banned since 1994.

Mountains Under the Ice

Under the ice sheets in Antarctica, specifically beneath 600 meters of ice, there are mysterious mountain ranges called the Gamburtsev Mountains. Their peaks reach about 2,700 meters and stretch across a distance of 1,200 kilometers.

There are also lakes beneath the ice, the most famous of which is Lake Vostok, one of the largest subglacial lakes in the world.

Research Stations

Antarctica contains about 70 to 80 permanent research stations belonging to 30 countries. Among them is McMurdo Station, which is the largest and can accommodate thousands of people during the summer.

Since the birth of the first child in Antarctica in 1978, the number of births there remains very low. However, the continent may one day be home to a permanent population.

Mount Erebus Volcano

Antarctica includes an active volcano known as Mount Erebus, which is the southernmost active volcano in the world. The continent also includes 138 volcanoes, and there may be more.

One of the striking natural phenomena in the continent is a glacial waterfall that looks like flowing blood!

Wildlife

Unlike all other continents, there are no reptiles in Antarctica. The place is inhabited by living creatures such as seals, whales, fish, and penguins. In addition, microbes were discovered in Lake Vostok that suggest the existence of a biological environment that relies on rocks instead of sunlight.

Melting Ice

The melting of ice in Antarctica poses a great danger to the world due to its impact on rising sea levels. Studies indicate that the melting of all Antarctic ice would raise sea levels by about 60 meters.

Seasons and Time in Antarctica

The continent is characterized by harsh climatic conditions, with temperatures reaching -90 degrees Celsius. Paradoxically, during the summer there are areas where the sun never sets at all.

Scientific discoveries, like the ability of emperor penguins’ feet to regulate blood flow to maintain heat, show incredible adaptation capabilities to extreme conditions.