Climatic conditions of Antarctica. Climatic zones of Antarctica Why the climate of Antarctica

The main reason for such a harsh and ruthless climate in Antarctica is considered to be its height.

Antarctica is the driest and highest continent on our planet.

With altitude, the temperature of the air masses near the Earth's surface decreases by an average of 0.6 ° C for every 100 m of rise. If you make simple calculations, it turns out that the mainland should be colder than any other by 6 -7 ° С. But the glaciation of Antarctica is associated with its geographic location. The reason is that the mainland is distant from the equator towards the pole and the surface of the mainland is deprived of solar heat due to the greater inclination of the sun's rays.

Another reason for such a powerful drop in temperatures lies in the fact that there is land around the pole, not an ocean. The continental "soil" is able to "receive" 70% of solar radiation, while the ocean waters bring this figure closer to the absolute of 90%.

Due to the large accumulation of snow and ice on the continent, its surface is capable of absorbing only 10 - 20% of the heat radiated by the sun.

TOP-4 articleswho read along with this

Rice. 1. Scheme of reflection of sunlight from the surface of the mainland.

The temperature difference in Antarctica in winter and summer is the following range: in winter from minus 60 to minus 70 ° С, in summer - from minus 30 to minus 50 ° С.

However, the record for the highest temperature on the mainland was set on March 24, 2015, near a research base owned by Argentina.

The ice of Antarctica has certain characteristics: they function like a huge mirror, which simply reflects 90% of the sun's rays into space.

Scientists have been able to prove that sunlight reflected from Antarctica is capable of reaching space. The mainland has the highest concentration of solar radiation. Due to the reflected light, human skin is able to acquire the color characteristic of everyone's usual tropical tan.

According to the specific features of the climate in Antarctica, the following are distinguished:

• inland highland region;
• glacial slope;
• coastal zone.

The first is characterized by extreme cold weather, an anticyclone of polar origin, the dominance of clear weather, a meager amount of precipitation, which falls all year round in the form of snow (30-50 mm / year).

Temperature in Antarctica

On the mainland, the air temperature is never above zero. However, this was not always noted. During the Mesozoic, the planetary climate was much warmer and more humid than it is now.

Rice. 2. Antarctica during the Mesozoic.

In those days, the current most severe continent of the Earth was closer to the equatorial zone and there were tropical plantations on its territory. But over time, the continent found itself in the circumpolar zone, which was the cause of glaciation. After that, processes took place that led to the fact that the climate here became harsh and arid.

The lowest temperature in Antarctica was recorded on July 21, 1983.

Rice. 3. The face of a polar explorer working in the open air in Antarctica.

The average temperature in Antarctica in most cases remains unchanged for a fairly long time. Negative temperature values ​​are accompanied by continuous wind flows that come from high mountain ranges, and almost endless snowstorms. Strongest winds are the norm here. Precipitation (snow) here is from 100 to 250 mm. in year. The narrow coastal strip receives up to 700 mm of precipitation. In the winter season, the average monthly values ​​vary from 8 to -35 ° С, in the summer from 0 to + 2 ° С. The usual wind speed is 50-60 m / s.

What have we learned?

We learned about the temperature records that were set in Antarctica. We found out what caused the sharp climate change on the continent. Clarified what caused the decrease in temperatures in this part of the Earth. We found out what is the average value of cooling as a result of the rise of air masses every hundred meters.

Test by topic

Assessment of the report

Average rating: 4.7. Total ratings received: 277.

Scientists-polar explorers and forecasters jokingly call Antarctica "the kitchen of the weather" for the entire planet. Experts know exactly when conditions are more or less favorable for travel in the vicinity of the South Geographic Pole. Ordinary people often wonder: “What is the warmest month beyond the Arctic Circle? Are temperatures above zero in Antarctica? " It is not easy to figure out what is going on in the "weather kitchen", everything is different here, not like on other continents.

The white continent becomes more accessible

Until the 20s of the XIX century, scientists and travelers argued about the existence of land near the South Pole. Many believed the famous navigator J. Cook, who declared the inaccessibility of the territory south of 71 ° S. NS. The Russian expedition to Antarctica on the ships "Vostok" and "Mirny" on January 20, 1820 discovered unknown lands, despite many insurmountable obstacles. After 120 years, the first excursions to the waters of Antarctica began, another 50 years were needed for the development of a new tourist destination.

Hundreds of adventure seekers travel annually to the white continent. Expeditions and tours take place during the most favorable period of the year in the Southern Hemisphere. "What is the warmest month in Antarctica?" - the townsfolk ask perplexedly. Of course, everyone at school taught the climate of the southern continents, where our winter is summer. Many find it difficult to say exactly which month is best for a tour to the South Pole.

Antarctica and the Arctic - two opposites

Let us dwell briefly on geographic terminology. The land in the south owes its name to the Arctic. This word, denoting the northern polar latitudes of the Earth, of Greek origin, is given according to the position. NS. blocked by cold ocean waters, ice and snow.

The territory in the south, opposite to the northern polar region, was called "Ant (and) arctic", the mainland - Antarctica. The South Pole is located almost in the center of the continent. The geographic coordinate of this point is 90 ° S. NS.

The southernmost and coldest continent

Harsh climate south of latitude 70 ° S NS. received the names "subantarctic" and "antarctic". During the year, snow and ice free areas of the surface on the coast and in oases are better warmed up. In winter, on the coast and in the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula, the temperature is comparable to that of the Arctic belt (from -10 to -40 ° C). In summer in Antarctica, you can find many islets of earth among the icy silence, where the thermometer rises above 0 ° C.

Features of the climate of Antarctica:

• Winter lasts from June to August, this is the coldest period.
• The average July temperature is between -65 ° and -75 ° C.
• Summer begins in December and lasts until February.
• The temperature in the continental part rises from -50 to -30 ° С.
• The warmest month in Antarctica is January.
• The polar day lasts from September to March. The sun stays above the horizon, warming the surface more.
• The night lasts almost half a year, illuminated by bright flashes of aurora borealis.

Inland climate

Antarctica is a continent where regular meteorological observations began later than on inhabited continents. In the last 50-60 years, weather forecasters have been particularly interested in data obtained at stations in the mainland and coastal part of the white continent. The coldest regions are the southeastern regions, where the average annual temperature is about −60 ° С. The temperature maximum in the area of ​​the Vostok station is −13.6 ° С (December 16, 1957). The average monthly temperature from April to September is below -70 ° С.

The weather at the South Pole is slightly milder, this part of the mainland is closer to the coast. Meteorological information at a point with a coordinate of 90 ° S. NS. collected by employees of the American station "Amundsen - Scott", named in honor of the "Napoleon of the polar countries" Norwegian Roald Amundsen and another discoverer of the South Pole - an Englishman The station was founded in 1956 at the South Pole and gradually "drifts" towards the coast. Antarctica has the shape of a dome, the glacier slowly slides from the center to the edges, where its pieces break under their own weight and fall into the ocean. In winter, near the Amundsen - Scott station, the thermometer shows −60 ° C, in January it does not drop below −30 ° C.

Weather on the coast of Antarctica

In summer, the shores of the oceans and seas surrounding the southernmost continent are much warmer than in continental regions. Over the Antarctic Peninsula, the air warms up in December-February to +10 ° C. The average January temperature is + 1.5 ° C. In winter, in July, the average monthly temperature drops to -8 ° on the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, to -35 ° C - in the area of ​​the Ross Glacier margin. One of the mainland's climatic anomalies is cold runoff winds, the speed of which reaches 12-90 m / s on the coast (hurricanes). Rains, like high temperatures, are rare in Antarctica. Most of the moisture enters the continent in the form of snow.

Antarctica is a "multipolar" continent

“Pole of Inaccessibility” - such a name was invented by Russian polar explorers for their station. The Soviet expedition to Antarctica carried out scientific research beyond the 82nd parallel in the most difficult for movement in the high-mountainous region of the continent.

On the mainland there is a "Pole of Cold" - this is the area of ​​the research Antarctic station "Vostok", created in Soviet times. Here the lowest air temperature in the history of meteorological observations was recorded with the help of ground-based measuring equipment: -89.2 ° С (1983).

Researchers from the United States, armed with satellite data, tried to challenge the "record" of the Russian station. In December 2013, the Americans reported that they were in the area of ​​the Fuji Dome station, owned by Japan. The absolute minimum temperature for Antarctica was -91.2 ° C, which was found out with the help of a satellite.

Antarctica is the prototype of a "multipolar" world without borders and an arms race. The international legal regime was introduced here in 1961. The mainland and the adjacent parts of the oceans do not belong to the states parties to the treaty and observer countries, they can only conduct scientific research.

What to do in the warmest month in Antarctica and the Arctic

Exploration of the North and South Poles, the white continent in the south and the ice of the Arctic have always been the lot of the brave and patient. Today, there are many people on the planet who have visited Antarctica more than 100 times. Some conduct scientific research, others provide transport accessibility, safety, and provide medical care.

More and more people travel to the Arctic Circle in search of fantastic experiences. Tours to Antarctica at first glance seem to be the purest water of adventurism. In fact, all flights, sailings and excursions are prepared at the highest level. Polar scientists act as consultants, icebreakers and research vessels are used.

Peak of the "tourist season" in the polar regions

The high cost of a flight or sea cruise to the North and South Poles, high expenses for organizing expeditions do not stop modern adventurers. Let us paraphrase the well-known statement of the foreman from the movie "Operation" Y "and other adventures of Shurik. Now dozens of ships with tourists "plow the expanses" of the Arctic and Antarctic. The day is not far off when there will be many more. The "high season" at the South Pole begins in December and lasts until January. At this time, the hemisphere is better illuminated by the Sun, the height of summer comes.

The weather at the North Pole is warmer than at the South Pole. The climate also depends on the small angle of inclination of the Sun above the horizon, the strong reflectivity of snow and ice. The temperature in winter in December-February and in summer in June-August is much higher than in Antarctica. The average winter temperature at the North Pole is -30 ° C. Thaws (-26 ° C) and cold snaps (-43 ° C) often occur. The average temperature in summer is around 0 ° C.

Are there any "white spots" in Antarctica?

The era of the great geographical discoveries was completed in the 1920s by S. V. Obruchev, the son of the scientist, traveler and writer V. A. Obruchev ("Geology of Siberia", "Sannikov Land"). Sergei Obruchev investigated the last "blank spots" in Eastern Siberia and Chukotka. By that time, much of Antarctica was still poorly understood.

Gradually, the researchers found out the thickness of the glacier and the features of the under-ice relief, collected detailed meteorological information. Many "white spots" on the sixth continent have been closed, but the south polar continent still holds many mysteries and secrets. For avid travelers, the warm month in Antarctica is a new experience, an opportunity to see rare representatives of the animal world and take unique photographs.

Are expeditions to the Arctic Circle dangerous?

There are reports of any unforeseen situations with tourists in Antarctica, but rarely. For example, in November 2009, off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, the Russian ship Kapitan Khlebnikov got stuck in the ice. Among its passengers were tourists and a film crew from the UK. The reason for the stop was weather conditions, but as soon as the low tide began, the ship managed to free itself from the "white captivity". A Russian icebreaker with English tourists and television crews on board was cruising in the area (West Antarctica).

A map of the mainland and the Antarctic Peninsula gives an idea of ​​the location of the sea, but only experienced pilots can navigate between icebergs. In December 2013, drifting ice stopped the Russian ship Akademik Shokalsky. The passengers were evacuated on board the Australian icebreaker in early January 2014.

Tour to Antarctica - a high dose of adrenaline provided

According to Antarctica researchers, the mainland is suitable for organizing cruises, dog sledding trips and other outdoor activities. The history of sea cruises in Antarctica is more than 90 years old. In 1920, enterprising ship owners began to take on board the first tourists who wanted to see the white continent with their own eyes. The cost of modern cruises and other types of travel to the shores of Antarctica and to the South Pole ranges from $ 5,000 to $ 40,000. The tour price depends on many factors, the complexity of the route and excursion support play an important role.

The Antarctic belt is the southernmost geographic belt of the Earth, which includes Antarctica and the adjacent islands and parts of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans with a boundary within 48-60 ° south latitude.

A very harsh Antarctic climate is characteristic, with low air temperatures all year round, since the cold pole of the Earth is located in the center of Antarctica. In winter, the average temperature ranges from - 60 to –70 ° C, a long polar night is typical. In summer, the average temperature ranges from - 30 to - 50 ° C, above - 20 ° C does not rise. The radiation level is very high, up to 30 kcal / cm² per month, but only 10% of the heat goes to heating the snow surface, the rest of the energy is reflected into space, so a negative radiation balance can be traced. Precipitation falls in the form of snow, their amount decreases from the coast to the center of the mainland, respectively, from 500-700 to 30-50 mm ... Strong katabatic winds up to 12 m / s, frequent snow storms and fogs blow on the coast, and in the central regions of the mainland, the weather is mostly calm and clear.

The adjacent areas of the oceans are covered with ice. The ice cover area varies from season to season, reaching a width of 500-2000 km in winter. The bottom surface is divided by vast depressions. In summer, a narrow strip of thin ice forms along the coast, the surface layers of water are cold. Icebergs are a characteristic feature of Antarctic waters.

On land, the landscape of the Antarctic desert zone prevails, the main part of the continent is covered with an ice sheet, only in coastal areas there are Antarctic oases - bare areas of land. Also, areas of mountain ranges and individual rocks - nunataks - are not covered with ice. Above 3000 m there is an area of ​​permafrost. In coastal oases, there are mainly drainless and salt lakes, as well as lagoons surrounded by ice shelves, there are no rivers.

Flora and fauna

The flora and fauna of Antarctica is peculiar due to its long isolation. This explains the absence of land mammals and freshwater fish. In summer, the rocks of the mainland are heated to a temperature slightly above 0 ° C, and lichens, mosses, fungi, algae, and bacteria grow on them in places. Small invertebrates are found: rotifers, tardigrades and some species of wingless insects. Although Antarctic waters are cold, they are rich in fish and small crustaceans (krill). Seals, fur seals and whales live in the Antarctic zone; seabirds nest on the coast, namely penguins, skuas, albatrosses. Tundra vegetation grows on the islands, and many birds live.

In accordance with international agreements, economic activity is prohibited in Antarctica, only scientific. A wide range of research and observations is carried out by scientists from different countries, especially for climate change in natural conditions without the influence of the human factor.

Related materials:

Antarctica is the coldest continent on Earth. Excluding the coast of the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula, the entire mainland lies in. Despite the fact that the polar night lasts for several months in Central winter, the annual total radiation approaches the annual total radiation of the equatorial zone (Vostok station - 5 GJ / (m2-year) or 120 kcal / (cm2-year)), and in summer it reaches very high values ​​- up to 1.25 GJ / (m 2 -month) or 30 kcal / (cm 2 -month). However, up to 90% of the incoming heat is reflected by the snow surface back into world space, and only 10% goes to heating it. Therefore Antarctica is negative and very low. The cold pole of our planet is located in Central Antarctica. At Vostok station on August 24, 1960, a temperature of -88.3 ° C was recorded. The average temperature in winter months is from -60 to -70 ° C, in summer from -30 to -50 ° C. Even in summer, the temperature never rises above -20 ° C. On the coast, especially in the Antarctic Peninsula, it reaches 10-12 ° C in summer, and on average in the warmest month (January) is 1 ° C, 2 ° C. In winter (July) on the coast, the average monthly temperature fluctuates from -8 on the Antarctic Peninsula to -35 ° C at the edge of the Ross shelf. Cold air rolls down from the central regions of Antarctica, forming katabatic winds, reaching high speeds near the coast (average annual up to 12 m / s), and when merging with cyclonic air currents turning into (up to 50-60, and sometimes 90 m / s) ... Due to the prevalence of downdrafts, the relative air is small (60-80%), near the coast and especially in the Antarctic oases it decreases to 20 and even 5%. Relatively small and. fall almost exclusively in the form of snow: in the center of the mainland their number reaches 30-50 mm per year, in the lower part of the continental slope it increases to 600-700 mm, slightly decreases at its foot (up to 400-500 mm) and increases again on some ice shelves and on the northwestern coast of the Antarctic Peninsula (up to 700-800 and even 1000 mm). Due to heavy and heavy snowfalls, they are very frequent.

Large areas exposed near the coast, with specific natural conditions, are called Antarctic oases; summer temperatures are 3-4 higher than those over the surrounding glaciers. Antarctic lakes, located mainly in coastal oases, are peculiar. Many of them are drainless, with increased salinity of waters, up to bitter-salty. Some lakes are not free of ice cover even in summer. Lakes-lagoons are very characteristic, located between the coastal rocks of the oasis and the surrounding ice shelf, under which they are connected with the sea.

The climate of the Arctic and Antarctica is in many ways similar - in its severity and extreme natural conditions. We will talk about the second of the polar regions today. The climate of Antarctica can be briefly described as the most severe on the entire globe. This is due to the peculiarities of the position of the continent relative to the surface of the planet. In addition to a small area of ​​the northern part of the peninsula, the continent is located in the Antarctic zone.

Perhaps the southernmost of the earth's continents is the most mysterious place on the entire planet. Its ice-bound expanses are in no hurry to reveal their natural secrets to man. In the extremely cold climate of Antarctica, brave researchers work at special scientific stations located there.

According to scientists, an area of ​​13,661,000 square kilometers of the continent is covered with ice. In the Antarctic region lies the South Pole of our planet. Its territory does not belong to any of the states. According to international treaties, it is prohibited to develop minerals on it. Only research and scientific activities are allowed.

Antiquity climate in Antarctica

In the deep past, the Antarctic Plate experienced less severe weather conditions compared to modern geological times. These days on the mainland it is almost impossible to find temperatures above 0⁰С. In the Mesozoic era, at the time of the split of the ancient land of Pangea into separate parts of the globe, the climate was milder. The mainland Antarctica at that time was located closer to the equator (that is, to the north). Its surface was covered with tropical forests.

Millions of years later, in the process of moving the plates of the earth's crust of the mainland, the Antarctic plate shifted to the circumpolar region.

This movement of a section of the earth's crust to the south led to the emergence of an ice sheet on land, which became the main reason for a decrease in temperature throughout the planet. Temperature changes in the territory of the Southern Hemisphere were especially evident.

By the time the Antarctic plate moved to the polar region, the planet's surface underwent important changes, the essence of which was the closure of the ancient Tethys Ocean, the formation of a land isthmus between the plates that make up the territory of the present South and North America, and the formation of a circular cold polar current around the Antarctic continent.

Warm terrestrial weather conditions disappeared, and the polar and circumpolar regions underwent glaciation. Desert areas with harsh and arid weather conditions formed in them.

Climatic zones of Antarctica

There are two of them. However, some scientists refer to the northern tip of the continent as a temperate climatic zone. In these areas, despite the harsh weather conditions, there is no polar day and polar night. The geographical position of the continent is the reason that does not allow the ice cover to melt.

This happens despite the fact that the surface of the planet in this area receives a fairly large amount of thermal solar energy. The peculiar and unique weather conditions can be considered one of the mysteries of the Antarctic climate.

Mainland nature - main features

This continent is located above all others above sea level. This circumstance is connected with the most powerful shell of ice covering the surface of the continent. Its cover reaches a thickness of 4.5 thousand meters. Such a grandiose ice shell affects the climate formation of the entire planet.

What is Antarctica's most extreme climate? The conditions are especially harsh in the inland regions. There is practically no precipitation there. Their total volume is no more than 50 mm per year (on other territory of the planet, precipitation falls in an annual volume in the range from 100 to 250 mm). The temperature of the deep regions often drops to -64 ⁰C in winter and -32 ⁰C in summer. The minimum temperature recorded on the globe was about 90 ⁰С. This indicator was recorded by researchers at the Vostok station.

The deep regions of the continent are characterized by strong winds with speeds reaching 80-90 m / s. The wind blowing from the inland area intensifies as it reaches the coast.

What climate in Antarctica can be called relatively benign? Some softness is inherent in the subarctic zone. Part of the northern end of the land falls there. In this belt, precipitation is formed in an amount of over 500 mm per year. In summer, the air temperature here rises to zero.

The subarctic climate zone has a less thick ice cover. In places, the landscape consists of rocky islets covered with lichens and moss. The influence on the coast of the mainland of the inner arctic regions leads to their unsuitability for human existence.

About the radiation balance of the continent

For a long time, scientists have been conducting research work, studying the harsh climate of the Arctic and Antarctica. The project was related to the compilation of the radiation balance of the land. They measured the radiation received from the sun, as well as reflected from the ice and snow surfaces. As a result, it was found that about 80% of solar energy is reflected from the surface of the snow cover, and the remaining 20% ​​is absorbed by the ground with transformation into heat, most of which is scattered as radiation into space.

Scientists have calculated that the southern continent uses no more than 5% of the energy received from the Sun for its own needs. Such an energy balance is inherent in Antarctica only in the summer period (November - February). In winter, the duration of which is from March to October inclusive, the Earth's surface there does not receive solar heat at all. In this case, thermal energy is lost with the same intensity as in summer. Winds blowing from the tops of the continental mountains contribute to the decrease in temperature.

Polar day and night in the Southern Hemisphere

As in the Northern Hemisphere, there are periods of polar day and night in Antarctica. According to astronomical calculations, December 22 is considered the summer solstice, and June 22 - the winter solstice. The sun (according to astronomers) these days "must" be only half hidden (and, accordingly, shown) relative to the horizon. The phenomenon of astronomical refraction, consisting in the refraction of light rays in the atmosphere, leads to an increase in the duration of the observation of a celestial body.

We can only talk about the change of night and day in southern latitudes, which is familiar to all of us, only in the autumn and spring periods. In winter, the mainland is immersed in the conditions of the polar night, in summer there is a polar day around the clock.

Summer in Antarctica

On the coast of the mainland, the climate of Antarctica is characterized by warm periods lasting a week or more. The underlying surface does not overcool too much. Instead of radiating heat into the atmosphere, it absorbs it from there at this time. The radiation balance takes on a positive value with an increase in the temperature of the environment.

The circulation of air carries to the shores of the mainland, in addition to heat, also cold air masses - from the depths of the land. Descending from the glacial plates, they partially warm up. The winds circulate in a very peculiar way. Most often, during the year, it turns out to observe their movement from the same sector. Depending on its location, extremely rapid and abrupt weather changes are possible.

Scientists from two scientific stations, Amundsen-Scott and Vostok, are monitoring the climate of Antarctica in the center of the continent. The average winter temperature of the inner regions recorded by them is of the order of minus 60-70 ⁰С, the summer temperature is minus 25-45 ⁰С. The highest temperature indicator was recorded in 1957 at the Vostok station and amounted to -13.6 ⁰С. This temperature jump was explained by a sharp intrusion into the continent of an oceanic cyclone.

Amundsen-Scott Station is located at the South Pole. Due to the relative proximity of the coast, the climate here is relatively mild. In summer, there is a large amplitude of temperature fluctuations compared to winter.

Is it warm on the mainland?

In the coastal regions of Antarctica (especially on its peninsula), the temperature in summer can rise up to +10 ⁰С. The warmest month there is January. The temperature on the coastal slopes at this time is +12 ⁰С.

In July, the coastline area has temperatures ranging from -8 ⁰С (peninsular zone) to -35 ⁰С (ice shelf). The average annual wind speed is about 12 m / s, but under certain conditions air masses can move at a speed of 90 m / s. The humidity of the air masses descending from the mountains is 60-80%. In some areas, it can significantly decrease.

In rare cases, in the peninsular zone, light cloudiness can be observed with precipitation in the form of snow. On the slopes in the lower area, the amount of precipitation is higher - this figure reaches 600-700 mm, at the foot - 400-500 mm.

The combination of a large amount of precipitation with powerful air currents leads to the appearance of frequent snow blizzards in this region of the continent.

Antarctic currents

The oceans have a warming effect on the mainland, due to which the temperature on the coast rarely drops below -40 ⁰С. The average annual value of the indicator is -10-12 ⁰С in coastal areas and up to -5 ⁰С in the north of the Arctic peninsula.

In areas of few oases, the surface is able to warm up to a temperature of +2 ⁰С, and on some rare days - to even higher numbers. At Mirny station, cases of air masses warming up to a temperature of +8 ⁰С were sometimes recorded. The total duration of such periods is very short and amounts to no more than 1000 hours during the Arctic summer.

Oases in Antarctica

The oases existing on the mainland (the largest of them is the Dry Valleys) occupy a relatively small area. In summer, you can observe water in its liquid phase in them. In some places, lakes with fresh and salt water have been identified. The area of ​​each such oasis (and they are coastal, mountainous and offshore) ranges from tens to hundreds of square kilometers.

Research stations are being built on their territory. The total area of ​​all the oases of the mainland, according to rough estimates, is about 10,000 square meters. km. The increased temperature values ​​of these areas are explained by the ability of open ground to enhance absorption of solar radiation. Occasionally, the rocks warm up to a temperature of +20 ⁰С. The record was the surface heating recorded at Mirny station to a temperature of +30 ⁰С.

What Antarctica looks like in summer

The heated ground causes the snow to melt quickly. In dry air conditions, the resulting moisture evaporates rapidly. As a result, both the soil and the air of the oases remain dry. In terms of their climate, these territories resemble a cold dry desert.

The layer of air closest to the ground is heated from the rocks with the formation of ascending air currents. As a result, heap clouds can be observed. The effect lasts up to 1 kilometer.

Antarctica climate and fauna

The Southern Ocean surrounding the continent is one of the most amazing ecosystems on Earth. It is home to a myriad of the most incredible creatures. Most of them are migratory, since the peculiarities of the climate of Antarctica do not dispose to permanent stay or wintering. But some of the species (called endemic) can be found only on this continent. Their peculiarity is in the ability to adapt to the harsh natural environment.

Representatives of the local fauna are not at all afraid of people. Researchers have the opportunity to get closer to wild animals in order to better study the Antarctic fauna. At the same time, one should take into account the prohibition on touching wild animals prescribed in the Antarctic treaties.

Let's briefly talk about the most interesting representatives of the continent.

Mammals

The blue whale can be called the largest animal living on our planet. Its weight is over 100 tons. This is a truly impressive natural creation. Despite their size, whales are truly elusive. They are characterized by highly developed intelligence, freedom of movement and a complex social life.

They belong, like dolphins, to the order of mammals (the name is cetaceans), that is, they are close relatives of people, elephants, dogs and cats. Spending at least part of the year near the coast of the continent are called the whales of Antarctica. In addition to the blue whale, we can talk about the southern right whale, seyval, fin whale, humpback whale, sperm whale, killer whale, southern minke whale, Kerguelen fur seal from the family of eared seals.

The last mammal is somewhat similar in appearance and manners to a large dog. Such seals belong to pinnipeds and can pull the rear flippers under the body, lifting their own weight with the front, and therefore their flexibility on land is much higher than that of congeners. They are found mainly on the subarctic islands.

Another mammal in Antarctica is the leopard sea. He received this name because of the spotted coloration of the body. It is one of the continent's largest carnivores. Leopard seals feed on almost any animal - squid, fish, birds, penguins, as well as baby seals. They are immersed in water for no more than a quarter of an hour and mainly live near open water. Swim at speeds up to 40 km / h.

Who else can you find on the mainland

The largest Antarctic mammals include crabeater seals. Sometimes they lie in small groups, giving the impression of a flock, although in general they are solitary animals. Despite the name, they do not eat crabs. Antarctic krill make up 95% of their diet. The rest is fish and squid. The sieve-shaped teeth of crabeaters are adapted for catching krill in the water.

Weddell seals can be found in Antarctica. Unlike the previous representatives of the fauna, their diet is mainly fish and squid. They are excellent divers, able to dive to a depth of 600 m and spend more than an hour under water. It is very difficult to estimate the size of their population due to their habitat on drifting ice and close to the Arctic Circle.

The southern elephant seal can be said to be the largest of the seals. His diet is mainly squid and crayfish. It also moves great underwater with deep diving. It is found throughout the continent, even deep in the south.

Birds of Antarctica

A typical representative is the Antarctic tern from the tern family - a small bird (31-38 cm) with a wingspan of 66-77 cm. It has a black or dark red beak and light plumage with a black cap on its head. Terns feed on krill and fish, noticing prey from the air and diving after it into the water.

The only representative of the cormorant family that can be found in Antarctica is the Antarctic blue-eyed cormorant. A characteristic feature of the appearance is a yellow-orange growth near the base of the beak and a bright color of the eye. Its body length is 68-76 cm.

The cormorant feeds mainly on fish. Sometimes a whole flock of birds forms a "trap" for food, diving into the water and helping each other to get it. They can dive to a depth of over 100 meters. During swimming, their wings are tightly pressed to the body, and the webbed paws are actively working.

Another representative of the avian world of the mainland is the plover, which leads a terrestrial life. When walking, it is characterized by nodding its head like doves. She does not have webbed paws for swimming. The plover food lives on the earth. Typical behavior is omnivorousness and a tendency to steal the obtained food (fish and krill) from penguins. Sometimes it can feast on eggs and chicks.

Other representatives of the avian world

Other members of the mainland's flying fauna include the Cape Dove petrel, snow petrels, wandering albatross, southern polar skuas, and southern giant petrels.

We should also mention flightless birds - the emperor penguin (the largest in the world, its average weight is about 30 kg), as well as the king penguin (the second largest) with a height of 70-100 cm, with bright plumage, feeding on fish and squid. Another type of penguin is subantarctic (also known as gentoo). Its sign is a wide white stripe on the head and beak.

Other representatives of the fauna

Antarctic krill is a small crustacean that lives in large groups. Its density per cubic meter is sometimes 10,000-30,000 individual individuals. Its food is phytoplankton. Krill can grow up to 6 cm in length and weigh about 2 grams. The lifespan is about 6 years. It is the backbone of the Antarctic ecosystem and the most abundant biomass.

The only insect (non-flying) that can be found in Antarctica is known by the Latin name Belgica antarctica. It is 2-6 mm long, black in color. The insect can withstand changes in the Antarctic climate and for 2-4 weeks is able to exist without oxygen, but at temperatures below -15 ⁰С it dies.