Exploring Antarctica

Antarctica is the fifth largest continent in the world, yet its size changes as the ice flows along the coast can often double the continent’s size in the winter. (6) The highest mountain in Antarctica is the Vinson Massif that is about 4,892 meters tall. Antarctica also has about 100 volcanoes, some of which are active. The most southern volcano is Mount Erebus, that is 3,794 metres tall, and it is also active.

As wild life goes Antarctica is home to many different animals, including penguins, whales, and seals, with very few other animals living there due to the cold temperatures. (7)

In 1911, a British explorer, Robert Falcon Scott, and a Norwegian explorer, Roald Amundsen, both tried to be the first to reach the South Pole, which is near to the continent’s center. Scott had already tried to make the journey in 1902, but he was forced to turn back, and later died struggling to reach safety. Antarctica is not governed by any one country and is instead ruled internationally through the Antarctic Peace System. (8)

References:

(6) Redd, Nola T. “Antarctica: The Southernmost Continent.” Livescience.com (Accessed May 2019) https://www.livescience.com/21677-antarctica-facts.html (7) Hurtigruten. “15 Interesting Facts About Antarctica.” Global.hurtigruten.com (Accessed May 1, 2019) https://global.hurtigruten.com/destinations/antarctica/inspiration/15-interesting-facts-about-antarctica/ (8) Redd. “Antartica.”