Antarctica is a continent located in the Southern Hemisphere and is surrounded by the Southern Ocean. It is the fifth-largest continent, with an area of 14 million square kilometers (5.4 million square miles). Antarctica has no permanent human population, but it does have seasonal scientific research stations manned by various international teams.
The climate of Antarctica ranges from extremely dry and cold to relatively mild temperatures along coastal areas. The average winter temperature on the Antarctic Peninsula can be as low as -20°C (-4°F) while summer temperatures may reach 0°C (32°F). Despite its chilly climate, some unique life forms are found in Antarctica including seals, whales, penguins, krill and lichens.
Antarctica’s physical geography consists mainly of ice shelves that cover almost all of its landmass except for a few regions near the edges which experience considerable melting during summer months due to warmer air temperatures over water bodies such as the Ross Sea or Weddell Sea . These areas provide breeding grounds for many species of birds like skuas and petrels; fish such as cod; mammals like seals; crustaceans like krill; algae blooms which attract large concentrations of planktonic organisms; sea spiders ; squid ; and other invertebrates .
The glaciers surrounding many parts of Antarctica are also important sources for fresh water when they break off into icebergs or calve into icy waterways below them where they form temporary estuaries or lagoons that allow marine creatures access to nutrient-rich upwelling currents from deeper waters beneath them . Icebergs often drift away with these meltwaters carrying nutrients essential for sustaining life elsewhere in more temperate climates around Earth’s oceans .
Antartica is also home to numerous scientific research stations operated by various countries around the world who conduct studies related to glaciology, oceanography , meteorology , geophysics , ecology and biology among others topics related directly or indirectly to this vast frozen wilderness.. Research conducted here helps scientists better understand global changes taking place due their effects on our environment —such as rising sea levels—and how we might have a greater understanding about our planet’s past climates through analysis of sedimentary rock deposits found deep within glacial formations..
Antarctic Treaty System was signed in 1959 between 12 nations documenting their common interests in maintaining peace & harmonious collaboration amongst each other regarding exploring & researching this vast southernmost region without disrupting any native wildlife living there –which includes protecting sealife habitats– whilst encouraging further exploration activities that promote advances towards interdisciplinary knowledge acquisition efforts ultimately benefiting humanity both now & later generations yet unborn..