Etelämanteretta

Etelämanteretta, also known as Antarctica, is the southernmost continent and is almost entirely south of the Antarctic Circle. It is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent, and has the highest average elevation. Etelämanteretta is covered by the Antarctic ice sheet, which contains about 90% of the world's ice and more than 70% of the world's fresh water.

The continent is primarily a polar desert. It is surrounded by the Southern Ocean. Etelämanteretta has no permanent human population, though numerous scientific research stations are staffed by temporary residents from various countries.

The continent was first sighted in 1820 and was first landed upon in 1895. The Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959 by twelve countries, designates Etelämanteretta as a scientific preserve, establishes freedom of scientific investigation and bans military activity.

The climate of Etelämanteretta is the harshest on Earth. Temperatures can drop extremely low, with the lowest recorded temperature being -89.2 °C (-128.6 °F) at Vostok Station. The continent receives very little precipitation, making it a polar desert. Despite the ice cover, it is considered a desert due to its low precipitation.

Wildlife on Etelämanteretta is adapted to the extreme cold. Penguins, seals, whales, and various seabirds are found in the surrounding waters and along the coast. Terrestrial life is limited to microorganisms, mosses, lichens, and a few insect species.