Antarctica is Earth’s southernmost continent, centred on the South Pole, and is the coldest, driest, and windiest landmass on the planet. It plays a decisive role in global climate regulation, ocean circulation, and sea-level stability.
Geographical Features
- Area: ~14 million sq km (5th largest continent).
- Ice cover: ~98% of the land surface; holds about 70% of the world’s freshwater in ice.
- Ice thickness: Averages ~2 km.
- Highest point: Vinson Massif (~4,892 m).
- Major ice shelves: Ross, Filchner–Ronne.
- Surrounded by the Southern Ocean (Antarctic Circumpolar Current isolates the continent climatically).
Climate Characteristics
- Coldest recorded temperature on Earth (below –89°C).
- Extremely low precipitation → classified as a polar desert.
- Strong katabatic winds descend from the ice plateau.
- Long polar day and night cycles (midnight sun / polar night).
Ecology and Biodiversity
- No permanent human population; only research stations.
- Terrestrial life limited (lichens, mosses, microbes).
- Rich marine ecosystem: krill, fish, seals, whales, penguins.
- Antarctic krill are foundational to the Southern Ocean food web.
Scientific Importance
- Natural laboratory for climate science, glaciology, atmospheric chemistry, and astrophysics.
- Ice cores preserve climate records spanning hundreds of thousands of years.
- Crucial for understanding global warming, ice-sheet dynamics, and sea-level rise.
Antarctic Treaty System (ATS)
- Antarctic Treaty (1959): Entered into force in 1961.
- Core principles:
- Antarctica used exclusively for peaceful purposes.
- Freedom of scientific research and international cooperation.
- No new territorial claims; existing claims frozen.
- Madrid Protocol (1991):
- Designates Antarctica as a “natural reserve devoted to peace and science.”
- Prohibits mineral resource activities (mining ban) indefinitely.
Geopolitical and Environmental Relevance
- Strategic importance due to climate influence and ocean currents.
- Increasing global attention because of:
- Ice-sheet melting and sea-level rise.
- Biodiversity conservation.
- Long-term resource and governance questions (post-Madrid Protocol debates).
India in Antarctica
- India is a consultative party to the Antarctic Treaty.
- Research stations:
- Dakshin Gangotri (decommissioned),
- Maitri,
- Bharati.
- Focus areas: climate change, glaciology, geology, atmospheric sciences, polar biology.
Why Antarctica Matters
- Acts as a global climate regulator.
- Melting impacts coastal populations worldwide.
- Preserves Earth’s most pristine environment, central to planetary sustainability.
