Antarctica is a continent surrounded by water that is entirely covered in ice. It has extreme cold temperatures, especially in the east, and hardly any plant or animal life due to the harsh climate. While rich in natural resources, a 1991 treaty prohibits mining in Antarctica. It was explored starting in the 1700s and mapped out in the 1800s, with various countries making claims until a 1959 treaty designated it for peaceful research only. Today, numerous research stations operated by many countries study the continent.

1. Antarctica
the Land of Ice
• By Jack Garrity

2. • Pages 806-809

3. • Antarctica is at the southernmost point, surrounded by
the South Ocean and is completely covered in ice. It has
no indigenous people and not many plants and
animals.

4. The Land and Climate
• The Transantarctic Mountains separate the
continent into East and West.

6. The Land and Climate
The West is made of islands, including active
volcanoes.

8. The Land and Climate
In the West, the highest mountain is Vinson Massif
16,066 feet.

9. The Land and Climate
In the West, the temperature gets above 32 during
the hottest day of summer (January).

10. The Land and Climate
• The East is the size of Australia.

11. The Land and Climate
• The East is colder -126 in the winter time.

12. Natural Resources
• The continent is rich in minerals including coal,
copper, led zinc, silver, gold, oil and gas.

13. Natural Resources
• In 1991, the Protocol of Environmental Protection does
not allow minerals to be mined.

14. Exploration and Scientific Research
• In 1772, Captain Cook sailed around the continent.

15. Exploration and Scientific Research
• In 1821, Boston seal hunters landed on the continent.

16. Exploration and Scientific Research
• In the 1800’s scientists, whalers, and explorers mapped
Antarctica.

17. Exploration and Scientific Research
• Argentina, Australia, Britain, Chile, France New Zealand
and Norway claimed parts of the continent.

18. Exploration and Scientific Research
• Their attempts at colonies failed.

19. Exploration and Scientific Research
• In 1957, many scientists built new bases.

20. Exploration and Scientific Research
• In 1959, the Antarctic Treaty preserved it for peaceful
research and stopped land claims.

21. Exploration and Scientific Research
• Today, there are 43 stations operated by 27 countries.

22. Exploration and Scientific Research
• Today, tourists take cruse ships to visit the continent
from October to February.

23. Plant and Animal Life
• Hardly any plants and animals can survive, no trees.
The West has some animals.

24. • Antarctica Planet Earth Episode 6 Ice Worlds - BBC Documentary.mp4

25. Hope you go out and explore the
world and see the places we have
visited soon!