Antarctica - the facts
“It was an amazing, amazing place. Something about Antarctica captured me, and I wanted to go back.” Andrew Regan
The Antarctic is the coldest place in the world (lowest recorded temperature is -89.9 C). It is also the windiest place in the world (fastest recorded wind speed of 300km/h). And it is technically a desert: it has less than 5cm of precipitation in a year.
The planet’s southernmost landmass also contains 80% of the world’s fresh water. There are places where the ice is over 10,000 feet thick, and the ice cap itself is more than 40 million years old.
The Antarctic is 48 times the size of the UK (14.4 million sq km). It is the world’s only uninhabited continent.
The Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959, which puts all territorial claims on hold – so no-one actually owns Antarctica. It has been set aside as a scientific preserve, and military activity is prohibited in the region.
Doing Your Bit
The Antarctic is a sensitive indicator of global change. A small increase in global temperature can have a large impact on the melting of Antarctic ice.
History
1907 - 1909 Shackleton led expedition to within 156km / 97mls of the South Pole but turned back after supplies ran out....
Antarctica: Its Environment
Antarctica is a hostile yet uniquely fragile region. Its extreme conditions have inhibited life for millions of years, but its specialized and unique environment is vitally important...
Ignoring the facts at our peril
Andrew Regan believes it is essential that everyone becomes involved in the debate surrounding climate change. The seriousness of the situation demands is.
SPONSORS
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