Etelänavalta

Etelänavalta, also known as the South Pole, is the southernmost point on Earth. It is located in Antarctica, a continent covered in ice. The geographic South Pole is defined as the point where the Earth's axis of rotation intersects its surface. This point is not fixed but shifts slightly due to various geophysical phenomena.

The South Pole is a vast, featureless ice plateau with an elevation of approximately 2,835 meters (9,301 feet). The average temperature is extremely low, with a mean annual temperature of around -49 degrees Celsius (-56 degrees Fahrenheit). Conditions are harsh, characterized by extreme cold, high winds, and continuous darkness for six months of the year.

The first confirmed expedition to reach the South Pole was led by Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen on December 14, 1911. He was followed shortly by a British expedition led by Robert Falcon Scott, whose team tragically perished on their return journey.

Today, the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, a United States research facility, is located at the geographic South Pole. Scientists at the station conduct research in various fields, including astronomy, atmospheric science, and glaciology. Due to the extreme conditions and isolation, the station operates with a small, dedicated crew. The South Pole is a significant location for scientific research and a symbol of human exploration and endurance in the planet's harshest environment.