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As the world\u2019s coldest and most isolated landmass, Antarctica holds infinite fascination for humans. While the waters around the continent support diverse marine life \u2013 animal and plant \u2013 and various forms of lichens, mosses and other vegetation are found on the landmass, there are no terrestrial mammals native to Antarctica: the continent is thus an exceptionally important region in terms of scientific studies ranging from marine biodiversity to climate and space research, as well as an alluring landscape for exploration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Antarctica is Earth\u2019s fifth-largest continent \u2013 fourteen times the size of T\u00fcrkiye and nearly twice as big as Australia, with an area of 14,200,000 square kilometers (5,500,000 square miles). It is mostly covered by ice (average ice thickness is 1.9 kilometers – 1.2 miles).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The continent does not belong to any country, and the Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959, declared it an international independent region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Antarctic exploration<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle allegedly proposed that, if the world was round, a land at the bottom of the globe was holding everything else in place and he called this continent \u2018antarktikos\u2019 \u2013 literally, \u2018opposite to the Arctic.\u2019 While the existence of Antarctica had been discussed for centuries, the continent was first sighted by Polynesian explorer Hui Te Rangiora in the 7th century AD. From the 15th century onward \u2013 with the rise of ocean exploration and whale and seal hunting \u2013 finding Antarctica became something of a quest. Allegedly the continent\u2019s first modern-day sighting was in the early 1800s. The first documented landing is believed to have been made by American sealer John Davis on February 7, 1821, but whether he set foot on an offshore island or the continent itself is still unconfirmed; the first confirmed Antarctica landing was made in 1895 by a Norwegian-Swedish whaling ship.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the first half of the 20th<\/sup> century, Antarctica exploration accelerated, with various expeditions vying to reach the South Pole. While Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen was the first to reach the South Pole, other Antarctic expedition leaders are equally famous, with British explorers Ernest Shackleton and Robert Scott and the American Richard Byrd among the most well-known. Numerous books have been written regarding the various voyages, including Shackleton\u2019s acclaimed South<\/em>. Note: It is worth reading a few of these volumes \u2013 the details of these early polar explorations are both fascinating and inspiring.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAside from research stations with staff, the continent of Antarctica is free of permanent human residence \u2013 no villages, towns or resorts!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where is Antarctica? <\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Antarctica is at the southernmost tip of the Southern Hemisphere and includes the geographic South Pole. It is surrounded by the Southern Ocean, which is now officially recognized as the world\u2019s fifth ocean. The Antarctic region refers to Antarctica, along with the Kerguelen Plateau and various island territories on the Antarctic Plate and south of the Antarctic Convergence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to get to Antarctica<\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Aside from research stations with staff, the continent of Antarctica is free of permanent human residence \u2013 no villages, towns or resorts!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where is Antarctica? <\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Antarctica is at the southernmost tip of the Southern Hemisphere and includes the geographic South Pole. It is surrounded by the Southern Ocean, which is now officially recognized as the world\u2019s fifth ocean. The Antarctic region refers to Antarctica, along with the Kerguelen Plateau and various island territories on the Antarctic Plate and south of the Antarctic Convergence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to get to Antarctica<\/b><\/p><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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