A collection of mind-blowing truths about the wildest continent. These fascinating facts showcase the extreme and unique nature of Antarctica, highlighting why it stands out as the most extraordinary place on our planet.
“There is just one insect native to Antarctica.” Known as the Belgica antarctica, or more commonly known as the Antarctic midge. What a guy!
“In Antarctica, research centers ‘heat their refrigerators’ to avoid food from over-freezing and allow for thawing to take place and much of the food served to researchers is often expired.”
“The planet Uranus (1781) was discovered before the continent of Antarctica (1820).”
5. Two ATMs
While not that “insane” the only two ATMs on the continent are located at McMurdo Station and are operated by Wells Fargo. The fees must be insane though.
6. Blood Falls
7. Appendix Removed Before Visiting
8. Fish With Antifreeze
Some fish native to Antarctica have a natural “antifreeze” in their blood to protect from the frigid temperatures.
9. No official time zone
10.
11.
“Fossil remains of an extinct colossus penguin was nearly 7 feet tall and weighed 250 pounds, unearthed in Antarctica”
12.
13.
14.
“The world’s largest desert is not the Sahara, but Antarctica. The Antarctic Desert covers an area of about 5.5 million square miles, making it the driest and windiest continent on Earth.”
15.
16.
17.
“There is an exclusive club in Antarctica called Club 300. In order to become a member one have to warm themselves in a 200 degree sauna, and then run outside naked and touch the Ceremonial South Pole where it’s 100 degrees below.”
18.
19.
20.
“Antarctica holds 90% of the world’s ice, and 70% of all the Earth’s fresh water. If it melted, it would raise global sea levels by about 200 feet.”
21.
22.
23.
“For those who aren’t familiar with the south pole in the winter, for the U.S. there aren’t any ways off or onto the continent during the winter season. There isn’t any sunlight for several months, and temperatures can drop to a blisteringly cold -80F. Anyway, during the interview process my friend learned that it’s apparently tradition for everyone staying for the winter season to get together for a double-feature of The Shining and The Thing.”
24.
“Hundreds of mummified seals have been found as far as 41 miles inland in Antarctica. One tested specimen had been sitting out in the open for 1,500 years. Researchers theorize that 1-2 seals annually get lost during white-out events and accidentally travel inland, where they eventually die.”
25.
“There is an abandoned hut known as Scott’s Hut in Antarctica from the early 1900’s that was dug up with everything still intact.”
The post 25 Astonishing Facts About Antarctica appeared first on Barnorama.
0 Comments