When most people think of a desert, they imagine sand and extreme heat. However, it might surprise you to learn that the largest desert on Earth is actually covered in ice. In geological terms, a desert is defined as a region that receives less than ten inches of precipitation per year. Antarctica, with its average of fewer than two inches of precipitation annually, fits this definition and is therefore considered a desert.
But is all of Antarctica classified as a desert? The answer is no. While more than 90% of the continent is covered in ice, some coastal areas experience milder conditions. The Arctic Peninsula, for example, extends north of the Antarctic Circle into the Southern Ocean and the Weddell Sea. The presence of surrounding water bodies helps moderate the temperature and provides moisture for precipitation. As a result, this part of the continent receives up to eight inches of precipitation each year. Additionally, certain islands at the northern tip of the sub-Antarctic archipelago get as much as forty inches of precipitation annually.
On the other hand, the interior of the continent is extremely dry. The McMurdo Dry Valley in Eastern Antarctica, for instance, rarely sees any precipitation. It is believed that this region has not experienced rain or snowfall for thousands of years. Even at the South Pole, the average annual rainfall over the past 25 years has been a mere 0.4 inches. Considering the vast area of low precipitation compared to the temperate regions, the overall average precipitation for the continent remains well below the threshold for desert classification.
The biodiversity of Antarctica is also unique due to its desert-like conditions. Land-based lifeforms are concentrated in coastal areas, with no trees or bushes present. The most prominent vegetation on the continent consists of mosses, liverworts, fungi, and lichens. Terrestrial life includes several species of penguins, seals, and migratory birds, but most of the diverse life forms exist in the surrounding ocean. Whales, sea lions, and countless micro-animals populate the waters of Antarctica. The predominant fish species in the area is the distinctive icefish.
In terms of economic development, past activities such as whaling, seal hunting, and fishing have been limited due to international treaties. However, cod and krill fishing currently play a significant role in the economy. Presently, eco-tourism and scientific research are emerging as notable economic activities on the continent. Although valuable minerals like silver, gold, and oil have been found on and around Antarctica, the extreme climate and remoteness make mining and extraction impractical at the moment. As technology advances and demands increase, mining may become more feasible in the future.
Despite its remote location, the pristine status of the Antarctic environment is under threat from human activity. The most significant challenges come from climate change. The warming atmosphere and oceans contribute to increased precipitation on the continent’s ice shelf. This expanded rainfall, combined with rising sea levels, accelerates the destruction of the Antarctic ice sheet. Additionally, contamination from human activity poses a threat to the ecosystem. Destruction of sensitive habitats by researchers and tourists, as well as the introduction of invasive species, can have a negative impact on Antarctica’s unique environment. Furthermore, unregulated economic development, especially mining and drilling, could further contaminate the region and exacerbate climate concerns. These various issues are compromising the fragility of the Antarctic Desert.
Image Source: Ruslan Suseynov / Shutterstock
