Antarctica Culture, Geography and History

Geography and Environment of Antarctica

As the world’s highest, driest and coldest continent, it’s no surprise that Antarctica is the only one to have no permanent human population. This vast wilderness is covered with an ice sheet 4 km thick, broken only by mountain ranges and ice streams. Despite the huge amount of frozen water (90% of the world’s ice is here), Antarctica is a desert and conditions are harsh. Antarctica’s nearest neighbours are across the Southern Ocean, past icebergs and whales, in Argentina, Chile and New Zealand. It’s a long way to go for a cup of sugar.


History and Government of Antarctica


Other Resources

Recommended Reading

  • Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage - Alfred Lansing
  • Mawson's Will: The Greatest Polar Survival Story Ever Written - Lennard Bickel
  • An Adventurer's Guide to Antarctica and the Subantarctic Islands - Marilyn J. Landis