April 25, 2024
TANISHA ROY
Antarctica is technically the world's largest desert due to extremely low precipitation.
Frozen Giant: Around 70% of the planet's freshwater is locked in Antarctica's ice.
Hidden Peaks: The Gamburtsev Mountains are buried beneath the ice sheet, rivaling the Alps in size.
Fiery Surprise: Mount Erebus, one of Earth's few continuously active volcanoes, is on Ross Island.
Crimson Flow: A strange waterfall stained red by iron oxides and ancient microbes.
Wrong Pole: Polar bears are exclusive to the Arctic; Antarctica has penguins instead.
All Times at Once: Research stations use their home country's time, so time zones are a jumble.
Space Debris: The dry climate and white ice make space rocks easier to find.
The Antarctic Treaty: Devoted to science and cooperation, a model for global relations.
The Rules: No one nation 'owns' Antarctica, it's governed by an international treaty.