2 Antarctica

WHAT IS A CONTINENT? A continent is a large area of land. There are seven continents on Earth. The continents are surrounded by five oceans. North America Arctic Ocean Europe Asia Atlantic Ocean South America Africa Pacific Ocean Pacific Ocean Indian Ocean Antarctica Australia Southern Ocean Earth's population lives on the seven continents. Each continent has different types of weather, landscapes, and ways of life. Let's learn about Antarctica!

WELCOME TO ANTARCTICA! Where on Earth is Antarctica? Antarctica is the continent that is farthest south. Antarctica does not have any countries. It is split into territories that are controlled by different countries around the world Antarctica Southern Ocean Nobody lives in Antarctica permanently. Scientists and workers live in special research stations for a short time to learn about Antarctica. People sometimes visit Antarctica to look at the landscape. Norwegian research station American research station

ANTARCTIC WEATHER The equator runs through the middle of the Earth. Places that are farther away from the equator are usually colder than places that are closer to it. The South Pole is in Antarctica, It is the farthest place south of the equator. Equator Antarctica is one of the coldest and windiest places on Earth. Most of Antarctica is covered in snow and ice all year round. Some snow melts during the summer. Blizzards can happen when it gets windy. Mount Jackson Snow Antarctica is called a polar desert because there is very little rain.

LIVING IN ANTARCTICA The scientists who live in Antarctica study its climate, animals, plants, and rocks. They have to make sure they are dressed properly and keep warm. Scientists live in tents for short times. Around 3,700 people live in Antarctica during the summer months. It can be very hard to live in Antarctica because of the weather. Polar night happens during winter and there is usually no sunlight for around 30 days. The southern lights, or aurora australis, can be seen during polar night.

ANTARCTIC ANIMALS The animals that live in Antarctica are specially adapted to live in the cold weather. Emperor penguins have strong claws on their feet to help them walk on snow and ice. Emperor penguins Penguins just slide around too! Killer whales live in the waters around Antarctica. They have blubber under their skin to help keep them warm. Killer whale Killer whales are also known as orcas.

Albatrosses have very large wings. These large wings help them to fly a long way to look for food. Albatross Seals have large eyes that help them to see underwater and catch prey. Like killer whales, seals also have blubber under their skin to help keep them warm. Seal