Etelämantereelle

Etelämantereelle is the Finnish name for Antarctica, the southernmost continent and Earth's polar region. It is located almost entirely south of the Antarctic Circle and is surrounded by the Southern Ocean. Etelämantereelle is the fifth-largest continent and is distinguished by its extreme cold, dry, and windy climate. It is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent on Earth, with average temperatures significantly below freezing year-round.

The continent is primarily covered by an ice sheet, which contains about 90% of the world's ice and approximately 70% of the world's fresh water. If this ice sheet were to melt, global sea levels would rise by about 60 meters. Etelämantereelle is a desert, receiving very little precipitation. Despite its icy exterior, it is a land of dramatic landscapes, including vast ice shelves, towering mountain ranges, and active volcanoes.

Etelämantereelle is not permanently inhabited by humans, although numerous scientific research stations are operated by various countries. The Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959, designates Etelämantereelle as a scientific preserve, establishes freedom of scientific investigation, and bans military activity. The continent's ecosystem is unique, with wildlife adapted to the harsh conditions, such as penguins, seals, and various seabirds. Tourism to Etelämantereelle has increased in recent decades, posing challenges for conservation efforts.