<aside> 💡 From this lesson, you must know…
Antarctica is the southernmost continent on Earth, located almost entirely within the Antarctic Circle. It is the fifth largest continent, with a surface area of approximately 14 million square kilometers. The continent is covered by ice, with an average thickness of 1.9 kilometers. The ice contains about 70 percent of the world's fresh water.
Antarctica is an important site for scientific research due to its unique climate and isolation. Scientists from around the world conduct research in a variety of fields, including geology, glaciology, and meteorology. Expeditions to Antarctica involve living and working in harsh conditions, but also provide opportunities for adventure and discovery.
There are several reasons for the lack of permanent settlements in Antarctica, including extreme weather conditions, isolation, and limited resources.
The harsh climate and lack of sunlight during the winter months make it difficult to grow crops or raise animals, and the extreme cold can make it challenging to maintain infrastructure.
Additionally, the continent's isolation means that it is difficult and expensive to transport people and supplies to and from Antarctica.
Finally, the limited resources, such as fresh water and fertile land, make it difficult to support large populations over long periods of time.
During what is known as the Heroic Age of Antarctic Explorations, from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, several expeditions were launched to Antarctica in an attempt to reach the South Pole.
The most famous of these expeditions were led by Roald Amundsen of Norway and Robert Falcon Scott of Great Britain.
Amundsen and his team were the first to reach the South Pole in 1911, while Scott and his team arrived a month later, but tragically perished on their return journey due to harsh weather conditions.
The Antarctic Treaty System is a set of agreements that govern the use of Antarctica and its surrounding waters. It was signed in 1959 by 12 countries and has since been joined by many others.
The Antarctic Treaty System includes provisions that designate Antarctica as a scientific preserve, establish freedom of scientific investigation, and ban military activity on the continent. The treaty also provides guidelines for the use of Antarctica's resources and for the protection of its plant and animal life. Additionally, the treaty requires that any disputes related to Antarctica be resolved peacefully through international cooperation.