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In the coldest continent on Earth, the temperature

can drop to -80 ̊ C (-112 ̊ F) and human skin can freeze

in seconds. Yet thanks to scientists who are specially

equipped to brave this harsh habitat, research on some

of the world’s most remote landscapes and wildlife

is underway. Only discovered in 1820, Antarctica

covers 14 million sq km (5.5 million sq miles) and,

incredibly, 98 per cent of it is covered with ice.

ANTARCTICA

RESEARCH

About 70 permanent and

more than 100 temporary

research stations have

been set up in Antarctica.

Scientists analyze

Antarctica’s weather,

climate, wildlife, and

geology. Projects include

monitoring ice samples

to detect changes in

the atmosphere, and

tracking penguins.

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TOURISM

Since the 1950s, cruise ships have brought

tourists to Antarctica, and today about

50,000 people visit each year. They

arrive either by ship or take sightseeing

trips by plane over the South Pole, the

southernmost point on the planet.

Insulated clothing and goggles are

essential at all times.

WILDLIFE

Animals face a struggle

for survival in Antarctica,

but fish, seals, and whales

can thrive in the sea. The

Antarctic Peninsula has

the mildest climate of

the continent, making

it a hub for wildlife. In

summer, millions of

seals and birds breed

on the peninsula and

nearby islands.

Humpback whales are

sociable mammals, preferring

to eat and travel in groups,

which are called pods

The largest penguin of all,

the emperor penguin

huddles in groups to keep

warm during blizzards

crabeater seals eat krill Despite their name,

(tiny marine creatures)

The Amundsen-Scott research base

is named after the two famous

expedition leaders who raced to

reach the South Pole in 1911

Tourists stay on board

the cruise ships

overnight as there are no resorts

Telescopes at Concordia

research base provide

astronomers with

exceptional views of the

clear skies above Antarctica

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