Antarctica is a polar desert with little precipitation; the continent receives an average of 6 inches a year, mostly in the form of snow. It is the coldest (−112 °F to approx. 50 °F), windiest (up to 200 mph), and driest place on Earth. Most of Antarctica is covered by ice, with an average thickness of 1.2 miles.
Over the second half of the 20th century, the Antarctic Peninsula was the fastest-warming place on Earth. In February 2020, the continent recorded its highest temperature of 64.9 °F. Evidence suggests that surface warming in Antarctica is due to greenhouse gas emissions.
In 1985, British scientists discovered a large area of low ozone concentration over Antarctica. This 'ozone hole' covers almost the whole continent. The depletion is caused by the emission of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons into the atmosphere.
Antarctica is losing ice at an unprecedented rate - double that of 30 years ago. If Antarctica were to melt completely global sea levels would rise by over 200 feet.
