Antarktyd

Antarktyd, or Antarctica in English, is the southernmost continent, surrounding the South Pole. It covers about 14 million square kilometers, making it the fifth-largest continent, and is surrounded by the Southern Ocean. The continent is divided by the Transantarctic Mountains into East Antarctica and West Antarctica. About 98% of its surface is covered by an ice sheet, whose thickness varies from several hundred meters to several kilometers and averages around 1.9 kilometers.

Antarctica has a polar climate: very cold, dry, and windy. It is often described as a polar desert. Coastal regions are warmer and support more life than the interior, where winter temperatures can plunge well below -60 °C. Precipitation is low, falling mainly as snow, and katabatic winds from the interior can be extremely strong.

Life is sparse on land, with most organisms confined to the coast or ocean. Microbes, algae, mosses, and lichens survive on rock, while the surrounding oceans host penguins, seals, and numerous seabirds. No indigenous human population exists; the continent supports many temporary researchers and support staff at international science stations, with activity varying by season.

Antarktyd is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System, which regulates international relations with respect to Antarctica. The treaty prohibits military activity, supports freedom of scientific investigation, and suspends territorial claims. The Madrid Protocol (1991) further protects the environment by prohibiting mining.

Historically, the area was explored in the 19th and early 20th centuries by various expeditions. In 1959 the Antarctic Treaty was opened for signature and remains the framework for governance and cooperation in Antarctic research and conservation.