Antarctica (/ ænˈtɑːrktɪkə / ⓘ) [note 1] is Earth 's southernmost and least-populated continent. Situated almost entirely south of the Antarctic Circle and surrounded by the Southern Ocean (also known as …

2 days ago · Antarctica, the world’s southernmost continent, is almost wholly covered by an ice sheet and is about 5.5 million square miles (14.2 million square km) in size.

Without any ice, Antarctica would emerge as a giant peninsula and archipelago of mountainous islands, known as Lesser Antarctica, and a single large landmass about the size of Australia, known as …

2 days ago · How much do you really know about the coldest place in the world? Expand your knowledge of Antarctica with these surprising facts.

2 days ago · We take a look at a handful misconceptions about Antarctica, from its alleged populations of bears to its current ownership.

Sep 25, 2025 · Though Antarctica is really, really chilly, it is considered a desert because it receives very little rain or snowfall. The small amount of snow that does fall does not melt but builds up over …

Sep 17, 2025 · Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic.

Antarctica is renowned for its icy landscapes – but that could all soon change. The southernmost continent is one of the fastest warming places on Earth, with untold impacts unfolding on its wildlife …

Nov 11, 2025 · A U.S. research team has found 6-million-year-old ice in East Antarctica, the oldest ever directly dated. The air sealed inside it preserves a snapshot of a much warmer ancient Earth, offering …

Aug 21, 2025 · Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are experiencing “abrupt changes” due to human-caused climate change, according to research published in Nature today. The research review, led …