Antarctic

The Antarctic is the southern polar region surrounding the South Pole. It encompasses the continent of Antarctica and the surrounding Southern Ocean, and lies largely within the Antarctic Circle. The region is defined by its extreme cold, dry conditions, and extensive ice cover.

Geography and climate: The Antarctic continent is the highest, windiest, and driest on Earth, with a central ice sheet up to about 4.8 kilometers thick. The surrounding ocean is cold and interacts with sea ice that expands in winter and retreats in summer. Coastal areas may reach above freezing only briefly in summer; interior temperatures can fall below -60C in winter.

Biodiversity and ecosystems: Life is largely concentrated in the surrounding ocean and on rocky coasts and includes krill, Antarctic fish, penguins, seals, and various seabirds. The region hosts specialized ecosystems adapted to low temperatures and seasonal food supply; krill are a keystone species.

Human activity and governance: There are no permanent residents. The region hosts scientific research stations operated by many countries. It is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System, which designates Antarctica as a scientific preserve and bans military activity. The Madrid Protocol (1991) provides environmental protections and prohibits mining.

Significance: The Antarctic is a focus for studies in climate, glaciology, oceanography, and biology. Its ice sheets influence global sea levels; its ocean and atmosphere systems contribute to global climate patterns. Ozone depletion effects are observed in the Southern Hemisphere.