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Introduction to the Antarctic Environment
The Antarctic environment is unique on the planet. It is not only the coldest, driest, windiest, highest and most uninhabited continent on earth, but it is also home to some of the most amazing animals. It is exactly this fascinating environment that allows these creatures to thrive. Without this fragile environment the entire food chain from plankton and krill to whales would be affected.
Records
Coldest Temp: -89C / -129F (Recorded at Vostok)
Highest Altitude: Antarctic has the highest mean Altitude (2500m).
Windiest: 375km/h recorded at D'Urville.
Iciest: Antarctica has over 90% of the planets ice.
Ice cores dug into the ice sheets tell us a great history story, taking us back several hundred thousand years, and disclose secrets not only about the continent but the planet too. This section contains information and links to further reading on environmental aspects in and related to Antarctica.
Te Papa Whale exhibition in Kansas