Antarctic Plateau

The Antarctic Plateau, also known as the Polar Plateau, is a large, high, and flat area of ice in East Antarctica. It includes the region of the Geographic South Pole and is one of the coldest and most remote places on Earth.


 Geography and Climate 
The plateau is a huge continental area with an average elevation of about 3,000 meters (9,800 feet). Because of its high elevation, high latitude, long, dark winters, and polar night, the Antarctic Plateau experiences the lowest temperatures on the planet. The lowest recorded temperature on Earth was at Vostok Station, located on the plateau, where it reached -89.2 °C (-128.6 °F), and satellite observations recording -93.2 °C (-135.8 °F) at the East Antarctic Plateau at the East Antarctic Ice Sheet.

The climate is also extremely dry, making it a polar desert. There is very little snowfall, and the strong, frigid winds blow constantly, which makes conditions even more difficult for life.

 Life and Research 
Because of the extreme cold and lack of food, no penguins live on the Antarctic Plateau. Few other animals can survive there either. The most common life forms are microbes that live in the snow.

The plateau is home to several important research stations, including the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. The clear, dry air and lack of light pollution make it an excellent location for astronomical research.

 Exploration 
The Antarctic Plateau was first seen by explorers in the early 20th century. In 1911, the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and his team were the first to reach the South Pole by crossing the plateau, a major achievement in polar exploration.
Category:Antarctica
Category:Geography of Antarctica