Brrrrr…. and Welcome to Antarctica
Antarctica Facts
235 animal species call the land and waters of Antarctica home.
The coldest temperature recorded in Antarctica was -129.28°F (-89.6°C). The average temperature at the South Pool is about -56.2°F (-49°C). The average freezer is 0°F (-18°C).
Where are all the Antarcticans?
There are no people who are native to Antarctica as well as there being no permanent residents. However, some research scientists live there for periods in special facilities.
What do they speak in Antarctica?
Russian is the most comely spoken language in Antarctica followed up closely by English.
Anartica belongs to no one country
No one country can claim Antarctica. Instead, it is governed by a treaty. The Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959 by 12 countries. Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States, and the former USSR. All of who had active research teams in Antarctica at the time.
Antarctica is even bigger than the United States. Including its islands and attached floating plains of ice, Antarctica has an area of about 5.4 million square miles, making it about 1 and half times the size of the United States.
Animal of the Week: Weddell seal
Weddell Seals are carnivorous mammals that can grow up to 10 feet and weigh as much as 1,200 pounds! They weigh so much due to the protective blubber layer that keeps them warm even in arctic waters. While Weddell Seals prefer to spend very little time on land they would much rather be in the water where they can hunt and move much more agilely. Like other mammals, they breathe air and must surface periodically to breathe but they can remain submerged for up to 45 minutes, and dive up to 2,000 feet! If they can’t find an opening when they resurface Weddell seals use their teeth to open air holes in the ice. They are one of the very few species of seal to live in Antarctica and have the southernmost range of any seal. They also do not migrate and are commonly found within a few miles of their birthplace.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vo__ds7LgpE
Watch the videos below to learn more about icebergs and Penguins!
Don’t miss out on this week’s Around the World Adventure. Learn about Antartic animals, partake in fun activities, and make your own seal pal!
