Did You Know these Facts About Antarctica?

By Madison Jones

People seldom pay the Antarctica continent a visit and there are even fewer who inhabit the area. It is a land that does not belong to anyone and is there for all who dare to venture far into the south to enjoy. There is not much difference between present Antarctica and the Antarctica millions of years before with its terrain undamaged by humans. There are no inhabitants of this continent, other than a few research laboratories and a whole lot of wild life. The pristine beauty of Antarctica is the primary reason that this location is slowly becoming a vacation hot spot today.

The Antarctica continent is twice as big as another continent and it can still be housed within the polar circle. All sides of the continent is water so the way to arrive at the region is to travel by air. But there are more cruises offered these days that have Antarctica as their destination so you can easily go by boat. The surface of the continent is covered on average by snow and ice nearly 6000 feet in density. This accounts for around 90 percent of all ice seen across the globe.

The world keeps tabs on icebergs and other masses of ice in Antarctica as a way of determining the global warming situation and the weather. Glacier activities in Antarctica are likewise monitored by scientists to determine if climate change has actually started happening. With plenty of wild animals thriving in the area it is easy for them to also keep an eye on such creatures. Their numbers fluctuate based on how much water and ice is present in the continent as well as how much food is available for the various animal packs.

The continents of the world tag Antarctica as the tallest it being over 7000 feet. The climate in Antarctica is really dry and the temperatures are freezing. A desert and this continent receive just about the same rainfall in a given year. However the climate has recently been transformed which explains the now increased snowfall volume in the area. In 1995 and 2000 sizeable portions of the continent broke off and disappeared and scientists blame this primarily on climate change.

Wild animals are everywhere in Antarctica including penguins and whales as well as seals. Huge squids can also be found in abundance in Antarctica. Travelers to the region may be lucky enough to spot humpback or Orca whales breaching near their ships, particularly in the spring when krill is more abundant. Penguin chicks are hatched around this time too. Weddell and Leopard seals are usually seen lying about on the icy coast with Albatross birds flying above.

There is only one place where people can be continually amazed and that is Antarctica. The establishment of laboratory stations in the region have allowed scientists to share in detail what they have discovered while there. People who hear new positive info on Antarctica get more excited to visit it. There is increased demand for Antarctica travel and cruise companies have responded by putting in additional tour programs for this wonderful southern destination.

Act quickly and arrange an Antarctica vacation if what you have heard about the place has won you over. Antarctica vacations are packaged differently by various cruise companies so choose carefully. Do not expect travels to this destination to be available anytime of the year and be ready for riding in a smaller ship than what you are used to also. Antarctica cruises are best booked early so there is time to deal with unexpected delays. - 31515

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