Antarctica

By Rebecca Hirsch

An Emperor penguin in Antarctica. Welcome to Antarctica! Antarctica is an icy continent. It has no countries.

The largest pieces of land on Earth are continents. There are seven. Antarctica is the yellow continent on this map.

Planes bring food and supplies to Antarctica.

People of Antarctica

Few people live in Antarctica. Most are scientists who come to study the continent.

Crabeater seals rest on the ice. Visitors also come to watch seals and other amazing animals.

Felicity Aston skied across Antarctica in 59 days. Adventurers ski in Antarctica. Some ski to the South Pole. It is one of the coldest places on Earth.

Rockhopper penguins can hop from rock to rock.

Amazing Animals

Antarctica is famous for its penguins. Rockhoppers live by the rocky shore.

A killer whale can swim very fast. Killer whales swim in the icy water. They hunt for fish to eat.

Two scientists work in the Transantarctic Mountains.

Ice, Wind, and Snow

Antarctica has fierce winds that blow the snow. People must wear bright coats to see each other.

Mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula

Antarctica has tall mountains. Most are covered by ice and snow.

An iceberg in the Weddell Sea

Antarctica has thick sheets of ice. Giant ice chunks can break off into the ocean. These chunks are called icebergs.

Scientists measure floating sea ice.

Learning from Antarctica

Scientists come to Antarctica from many countries. They study the ice to learn about climate changes.

Scientists study a group of Emperor penguins. Scientists study the animals and weather, too. There is so much to learn from Antarctica. Countries will always work together to protect this icy continent.

Modern Marvels

Scientists in Antarctica work at Princess Elisabeth Station. The stainless steel walls have many layers to keep heat in and to keep cold winds out. Windmills on tall poles catch the wind to make electricity for the station.