

In Antarctica, the mountain range paired against large, flat expanses makes for a dramatic wind combination. These are winds that are formed when air moves down a slope. It is WindyĪntarctica's geography and climate means it gets a special kind of wind called katabatics. With such low humidity and moisture at this portion of the continent, even snow and ice cannot accumulate, which leaves the valleys just a dusty expanse of dirt.


The Dry Valleys in Antarctica are the driest places on earth. Here are some interesting facts about Antarctica. While the landscape may seem somewhat desolate to the untrained observer, it is actually one of the most interesting places on Earth. Such conditions make life relatively sparse compared to other regions in the world, but the animals that do occupy this frosty landscape are well adapted to handle the incredibly harsh conditions seen regularly by the explorers and scientists stationed there. It is situated almost entirely within the Antarctic Circle, which means that temperatures are consistently below zero the majority of the year. The icy expanse of Antarctica covers more than 5.4 million square miles, making it the fifth-largest continent in the world.
