Antarctica: A Land of Extremes and Wonders
Antarctica: A Land of Extremes and Wonders Antarctica, the southernmost continent, is a land of extremes. It's the coldest, driest, windiest, and highest continent on Earth. It's also home to some of the most unique and fascinating wildlife on the planet. A continent of ice and snow Antarctica is covered in ice and snow. In fact, 98% of the continent is covered in ice, which averages 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) in thickness. The ice sheet is so heavy that it actually depresses the land beneath it. If all the ice in Antarctica melted, sea levels around the world would rise by about 60 meters (200 feet). A desert in disguise Despite all the ice and snow, Antarctica is technically a desert. It receives very little precipitation, and most of it falls as snow. The interior of the continent is so dry that it's often compared to the Sahara Desert. A land of wind and cold Antarctica is also known for its strong winds. The winds can reach speeds of up to 320 kilometers per hour (200 mi...