Which Continent Is Permanently Covered With Snow?

For centuries, this vast landmass has remained hidden under layers of ice, untouched by permanent human settlement. Isolated from the rest of the world, it plays a crucial role in regulating Earth’s climate and sea levels. Its frozen nature raises curiosity about why this continent stays snow-covered throughout the year. Keep reading to know more about this icy continent.

Why Is This Continent Permanently Covered With Snow?

Antarctica is permanently covered with snow because of its extreme polar climate, very low temperatures and its position around the South Pole. The continent receives minimal sunlight during long winters, causing temperatures to remain below freezing for most of the year. Snowfall accumulates over thousands of years and does not melt, forming massive ice sheets that permanently cover the land.

Antarctica Overview

Where Is Antarctica Located?

Antarctica is located at the southernmost part of the Earth, surrounding the South Pole. It is encircled by the Southern Ocean and remains isolated from other continents, which helps maintain its extremely cold conditions.

How Much of Antarctica Is Covered With Ice?

Nearly 98% of Antarctica is covered by ice sheets, making it the most ice-covered continent in the world. These ice sheets are so massive that they store around 70% of the world’s fresh water in frozen form.

Why Is Antarctica Important for the Earth?

Antarctica plays a vital role in regulating global climate and sea levels. Its ice reflects sunlight back into space, helping control Earth’s temperature. Changes in Antarctic ice directly affect global ocean levels and weather patterns.

Does Anyone Live Permanently in Antarctica?

There is no permanent human population in Antarctica. Scientists and researchers from different countries stay temporarily in research stations to study climate change, wildlife, astronomy and Earth sciences.

Interesting Facts About Antarctica

Coldest Continent on Earth

Antarctica holds the record for the lowest temperature ever recorded on Earth. Temperatures can fall below −80°C, making survival extremely challenging.

Largest Ice Sheet in the World

The Antarctic ice sheet is the largest single mass of ice on the planet. If it were to melt completely, global sea levels would rise dramatically.

Driest Continent Despite the Ice

Antarctica is technically a desert because it receives very little rainfall or snowfall each year. The snow that exists has accumulated over millions of years.

No Time Zones Used Officially

Due to its location at the South Pole, Antarctica does not follow a single time zone. Research stations use the time of their home countries.

Home to Unique Wildlife

Despite harsh conditions, Antarctica supports life such as penguins, seals, whales and microscopic organisms adapted to extreme cold.

Read more: Which Is the Largest Glacier in the World?

Antarctica is the continent permanently covered with snow due to its polar location, extreme cold climate, and massive ice sheets. Its frozen landscape makes it unique among all continents and critically important for Earth’s environmental balance. Keep reading for more such topics.