The average temperatures in the interior of the continent range from 40 to 70 degrees C during the Antarctic winter. I m sure that you have noticed that our temperatures are considerably warmer than that. Antarctica is considered the highest continent in the world because it is covered with a huge icecap that we refer to as the ice sheet. Antarctica experiences the strongest winds on the planet, which can actually reach speeds of up to 320 kilometers per hour. These are caused by dense, cold air rushing down from the middle of the continent towards the coast, and they are called katabatic winds.
Most people are surprised to learn that Antarctica is actually the world s driest desert.
Although blizzards can occur, very little snow actually falls. Blizzards are caused by winds blowing snow along the surface. Well, that s about all for today. Keep your questions coming . . . This is a satellite mosaic of Antarctica.