Task: Question Answering
Input (English): Background Paragraph: East Antarctica is colder than its western counterpart because of its higher elevation. Weather fronts rarely penetrate far into the continent, leaving the centre cold and dry. Despite the lack of precipitation over the central portion of the continent, ice there lasts for extended periods. Heavy snowfalls are common on the coastal portion of the continent, where snowfalls of up to 1.22 metres (48 in) in 48 hours have been recorded. 
Story: UK and France had scientific bases in Antarctica. UK had a base and studied the climate in East Antarctica, while France observed the climate in West Antarctica. 
Question: Which country observed ice lasting for extended periods?
Output (English): France.