The 5th largest continent, Antarctica, is quite a mystery to most of us. We will probably never go there, as it is pretty much uninhabitable. One reason is that it is the coldest (128 degrees fahrenheit), the driest (valleys have no humidity and no snow) and the windiest (200 mph winds) continent.
Antarctica is 99% covered by ice. It holds 70% of our planet's fresh water. The average thickness of ice is about 1 mile. Imagine that. There are mountains buried under 15,750 feet of ice, as well as buried lakes and even an active volcano. Deep Lake is so salty it cannot freeze.
Presently there are 30 countries operating 80 research stations in Antarctica. During the summer months, there are about 4,000 residents, but in the long, dark winter, there are only 1,000 residents.
The sun doesn't rise from the vernal equinox to the autumnal equinox. It is dark all winter. Conversely, in summer, the sun never sets. In fact, Antarctica receives more sunlight than the equator! So now you know some cool facts about the coolest place on the planet.
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