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Antarctic

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Antarctica is the southernmost continent on Earth. It is also the coldest, windiest, and driest continent. Antarctica is covered in ice, and the average temperature is -57°F (-49°C).

Antarctica is home to a variety of plants and animals, including penguins, seals, and whales. However, the continent is very remote, and there are no permanent human settlements.

The only people who live in Antarctica are scientists and support staff who work at research stations. These stations are located on the coast of Antarctica, and they are only inhabited during the summer months.

Antarctica is an important part of the global climate system. The ice sheet in Antarctica reflects sunlight, which helps to keep the Earth cool. If the ice sheet were to melt, it would cause the Earth to warm significantly.

Antarctica is a fragile ecosystem, and it is important to protect it from human activities. The Antarctic Treaty, which was signed in 1959, prohibits mining and other destructive activities in Antarctica.

Here are some of the key things to know about Antarctica:

  • It is the southernmost continent on Earth.
  • It is also the coldest, windiest, and driest continent.
  • It is covered in ice, and the average temperature is -57°F (-49°C).
  • Home to a variety of plants and animals, including penguins, seals, and whales.
  • No permanent human settlements.
  • An important part of the global climate system.
  • Protected by the Antarctic Treaty.

How can the word be used?

The Antarctic ice sheet is the largest ice sheet on Earth.

Antarctic

Different forms of the word

Adjective: Antarctic.

Noun: Antarctica.

Pronoun: Antarctica.

Etymology

The word "Antarctic" comes from the Greek word "ἀνταρκτικός" (antarktikos), which means "opposite the Arctic." The Greek word "ἀνταρκτικός" is derived from the words "ἀντι" (anti), which means "opposite," and "άρκτος" (arktos), which means "bear.".

Question

What animals live in Antarctic?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Why is the Antarctic so cold?

Answer:

  • The Antarctic is so cold for a number of reasons.
  • The Earth's tilt: The Earth's tilt causes the Antarctic to receive less sunlight than other parts of the world. The sun's rays are more direct at the equator, so the Antarctic receives less solar energy.
  • The Antarctic Ocean: The Antarctic Ocean is surrounded by land, which prevents warm air from the tropics from reaching the continent. The ocean also reflects sunlight, which further cools the air.
  • The ice sheet: The Antarctic ice sheet is the largest ice sheet in the world. It reflects sunlight and prevents heat from reaching the ground. This creates a feedback loop that makes the Antarctic even colder.
  • The cold temperatures in the Antarctic have a profound impact on the environment. The continent is home to a unique ecosystem that is adapted to the cold. The Antarctic is also a major source of fresh water, which is important for the global climate.

Here are some additional facts about the Antarctic:

  • The Antarctic is the coldest, windiest, and driest continent on Earth.
  • The average temperature in the Antarctic is -57 degrees Fahrenheit (-49 degrees Celsius).
  • The Antarctic ice sheet is about 14 million square miles (36 million square kilometres) in size.
  • The Antarctic is home to about 5,000 species of plants and animals.
  • The Antarctic is a major source of fresh water.
  • The Antarctic is a fascinating and important part of the world. The cold temperatures and unique ecosystem make it a challenging place to study, but the research that is done there is essential for understanding the global climate.