How many time zones are there in Antarctica. In ancient times there were tropics in Antarctica

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Polar scientists and weather forecasters jokingly call Antarctica the “weather kitchen” for the entire planet. Experts know exactly when the conditions are more or less favorable for traveling in the vicinity of the South Geographic Pole. Ordinary people often lost in conjecture: “What is the warmest month beyond the Antarctic Circle? Are there positive temperatures in Antarctica? It is not easy to figure out what is going on in the "kitchen of the weather", everything is different here, not like on other continents.

The white continent becomes more accessible

Until the 20s of the 19th century, scientists and travelers argued about the existence of land near the South Pole. Many believed the famous navigator J. Cook, who declared that the territory south of 71 ° S was inaccessible. sh. The Russian expedition to Antarctica on the ships "Vostok" and "Mirny" on January 20, 1820 discovered unknown lands, despite many insurmountable obstacles. After 120 years, the first excursions to the waters of the Antarctic began, another 50 years were needed for the development of a new tourist destination.

Hundreds of adventurers travel annually to white continent. Expeditions and tours are held in the most favorable period years in the southern hemisphere. What is the warmest month in Antarctica? - the townsfolk ask in bewilderment. Of course, at school everyone was taught the climate of the southern continents, where our winter is summer. It is difficult for many to say exactly which month is better for a tour to the South Pole.

Antarctica and the Arctic - two opposites

Let us briefly dwell on geographical terminology. The land in the south owes its name to the Arctic. This word, denoting the northern polar latitudes of the Earth, is of Greek origin, given by the position Weather on for a long time remained a mystery, because the way for the researchers of the XVIII-XIX centuries to the coveted point with the coordinate 90 ° N. sh. blocked by the cold waters of the ocean, ice and snow.

The territory in the south, opposite the northern polar region, was called the "Ant (and) Arctic", the mainland - Antarctica. South Pole is located almost in the center of the continent. Geographic coordinate this point - 90 ° S. sh.

The southernmost and coldest continent

Severe climate south of latitude 70°S. sh. called "subantarctic" and "antarctic". During the year, areas of the surface free from snow and ice warm up better on the coast, in oases. In winter, on the coast and in the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula, the temperature is comparable to the Arctic zone (from -10 to -40 °C). In the summer in Antarctica, you can find many islands of land among the icy silence, where the thermometer rises above 0 ° C.

Features of the climate of Antarctica:

• Winter lasts from June to August, this is the coldest period.
• average temperature July is between -65° and -75°C.
• Summer comes in December and lasts until February.
• The temperature in the continental part rises from -50 to -30 °C.
• The warmest month in Antarctica is January.
• The polar day lasts from September to March. The sun remains above the horizon, warming the surface more.
• The night lasts for almost half a year, illuminated by bright flashes of the aurora borealis.

Inland climate

Antarctica is a continent where regular meteorological observations began later than on the inhabited continents. For the last 50-60 years, the data obtained at stations in the mainland and coastal parts of the white continent have received special attention from weather forecasters. The coldest regions are the southeastern ones, where mean annual temperature is about -60 °C. The temperature maximum in the area of ​​the Vostok station is -13.6 ° C (December 16, 1957). The average monthly temperature from April to September is below -70 °C.

The weather at the South Pole is a bit milder, this part of the mainland is closer to the coast. Meteorological information at a point with a coordinate of 90 ° S. sh. collected by employees of the American Amundsen-Scott station, named after the Napoleon of the Polar Countries, Norwegian Roald Amundsen and another discoverer of the South Pole, an Englishman. The station was founded in 1956 at the South Pole and gradually “drifts” towards the coast. Antarctica has the shape of a dome, the glacier slowly slides from the center to the edges, where its pieces break under their own weight and fall into the ocean. In winter, near the Amundsen-Scott station, the thermometer shows -60 ° C, in January it does not fall below -30 ° C.

Weather on the coast of Antarctica

In summer, on the shores of the oceans and seas that wash the most southern mainland much warmer than in continental regions. Over the Antarctic Peninsula, the air warms up to +10 °C in December-February. The average January temperature is +1.5 °C. In winter, in July, the average monthly temperature drops to -8°C on the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, to -35°C - in the area of ​​the margin of the Ross Glacier. One of the climatic anomalies of the mainland is cold katabatic winds, the speed of which reaches 12-90 m/s on the coast (hurricanes). Rain like heat rare in Antarctica. Most of the moisture reaches the continent in the form of snow.

Antarctica is a "multipolar" continent

"Pole of inaccessibility" - this is the name that Russian polar explorers came up with for their station. Soviet expedition to Antarctica Scientific research beyond the 82nd parallel in the most difficult for movement high-mountainous region of the mainland.

On the mainland there is a "Pole of Cold" - this is the area of ​​​​the research Antarctic station "Vostok", created in Soviet time. Here, with the help of ground-based measuring equipment, the lowest air temperature in the history of meteorological observations was recorded: -89.2 ° С (1983).

Researchers from the United States, armed with satellite data, tried to challenge the "record" of the Russian station. In December 2013, the Americans reported that they were in the area of ​​the Fuji Dome station, owned by Japan. Absolute minimum temperature for Antarctica was -91.2 ° C, which was found out using a satellite.

Antarctica is the prototype of a "multipolar" world without borders and an arms race. The international legal regime was introduced here in 1961. The mainland and parts of the oceans adjacent to it do not belong to the states parties to the treaty and observer countries, they can only conduct scientific research.

What to do in the warmest month in Antarctica and in the Arctic

Exploration of the North and South Poles, the white continent in the south and the ice of the Arctic has always been the lot of the brave and patient. Today there are quite a few people on the planet who have been to Antarctica more than 100 times. Some carry out scientific research, others provide transport accessibility, security, and provide medical care.

There are more and more people who go beyond the Antarctic Circle in search of fantastic experiences. Tours to Antarctica at first glance seem the purest water adventurism. In fact, all flights, sailings and excursions are prepared for highest level. Polar scientists act as consultants, icebreakers and research vessels are used.

The peak of the "tourist season" in the polar regions

The high cost of a flight or a sea cruise to the North and South Poles, the high costs of organizing expeditions do not stop modern adventurers. Let's rephrase the famous statement of the foreman from the film "Operation" Y "and other adventures of Shurik." Now dozens of ships with tourists "plow the expanses" of the Arctic and Antarctic. The day is not far off when there will be many more of them. " High season» at the South Pole begins in December and lasts until January. At this time, the hemisphere is better illuminated by the Sun, the height of summer comes.

The weather at the North Pole is warmer than at the South. The climate also depends on the small angle of inclination of the Sun above the horizon, the strong reflectivity of snow and ice. The temperature in winter in December-February and in summer in June-August is much higher than in Antarctica. The average winter temperature at the North Pole is -30°C. Often there are thaws (−26 ° C), cold snaps (−43 ° C). The average summer temperature is around 0°C.

Are there any "white spots" in Antarctica?

The Age of the Great geographical discoveries completed in the 1920s by S. V. Obruchev, the son of the scientist, traveler and writer V. A. Obruchev (“Geology of Siberia”, “Sannikov Land”). Sergei Obruchev explored the latest "blank spots" in Eastern Siberia and in Chukotka. By that time, a significant part of Antarctica was still little studied.

Gradually, the researchers found out the thickness of the glacier and the features of the under-ice relief, collected detailed meteorological information. Many "white spots" on the sixth continent have been closed, but the south polar continent still holds many mysteries and secrets. For avid travelers, a warm month in Antarctica is a new experience, an opportunity to see rare representatives wildlife and take unique photographs.

Are expeditions to the Antarctic Circle dangerous?

There are reports of any unforeseen situations with tourists in Antarctica, but rarely. For example, in November 2009, the Russian ship Kapitan Khlebnikov got stuck in the ice off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Among its passengers were tourists and a film crew from the UK. The reason for the stop was weather, but as soon as the tide began to ebb, the ship managed to free itself from the "white captivity". Russian icebreaker with English tourists and TV people on board made a cruise in the area (West Antarctica).

A map of the mainland and the Antarctic Peninsula gives an idea of ​​the location of the sea, but only experienced pilots can navigate ships between icebergs. In December 2013, drifting ice stopped the Russian ship Akademik Shokalsky. Passengers were evacuated aboard the Australian icebreaker in early January 2014.

Tour to Antarctica - a high portion of adrenaline is provided

According to the researchers of Antarctica, the mainland is suitable for organizing cruises, dog sledding and other activities. active rest. The history of sea cruises in Antarctica has more than 90 years. In 1920, enterprising ship owners began to take on board the first tourists who wanted to see the white continent with their own eyes. The cost of modern cruises and other types of travel to the shores of Antarctica and the South Pole ranges from 5,000 to 40,000 dollars. The price of the tour depends on many factors, not the last role is played by the complexity of the route, excursion support.

Perhaps there is no place in the world more mysterious than Antarctica. endless spaces, icebound, could tell a lot about what the Earth was like millions of years ago. But nature is in no hurry to reveal its secrets, and man returns here again and again, struggling with cold and blizzard.

Antarctica is the icy heart of Antarctica: on an area of ​​13 million 661 thousand km 2 there are 30 million km 3 of ice! The geographic South Pole passes through the mainland, the pole of cold (- 89.2 ° C - the most low temperature), the pole of inaccessibility, conquered by the Soviet expedition in 1958, the South geomagnetic pole.

The territory of the mainland does not belong to any of the countries. In Antarctica, you can not engage in the development of minerals or carry out production work - only scientific activity, therefore, in addition to seals and penguins, the mainland is inhabited by scientists from different countries. Only well-trained people, strong in both spirit and body, live and work here. The reason for this is extreme conditions and harsh climate.

Features of the climate of Antarctica

The warmest time on the mainland is from November to February - this is spring and summer in the Southern Hemisphere. On the coast, the air can warm up to 0°C, and near the cold pole, the temperature rises to -30°C.

Summer in Antarctica is so sunny that in no case should you forget about sunglasses - you can seriously damage your eyesight. And you can’t do without lipstick either - without it, your lips instantly crack, and it’s impossible to eat or talk. Why, then, is it so cold, and the glaciers do not melt? Almost 90% solar energy is reflected from the ice and snow cover, and if we take into account that solar heat the mainland receives mainly in the summer, it turns out that during the year Antarctica loses more heat than it gains.

The lowest temperature is from March to October, autumn and winter in Antarctica, when the thermometer drops to -75°C. This is a period of severe storms, planes do not arrive on the mainland, and polar explorers are cut off from the rest of the world for a long 8 months.

Polar day and polar night in the Southern Hemisphere

On the photo Polar Lights near McMurdo Station, July 15, 2012

In Antarctica, as well as in the Northern Hemisphere, there are polar night and polar day, which last around the clock. If you rely only on astronomical calculations, then on December 22, on the day of the summer solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, the sun at midnight should only half disappear below the horizon, and then rise again. And on June 22, on the day winter solstice- only half appear on the horizon at noon, and then disappear. But there is astronomical refraction - optical phenomenon associated with the refraction of light rays. Thanks to refraction, we see the luminaries before they appear above the horizon, and for some time after they set. Therefore, the usual change of day and night occurs only in spring and autumn. In winter, polar night reigns, and in summer - polar day.

Nature of Antarctica

Peculiar business card Antarctica - penguin. Several species of these funny birds live here: on the continental coast - emperor, king, gentoo penguin, Adélie penguin. And on the Antarctic and subantarctic islands live crested, arctic, golden-haired penguins.

There are other birds: petrels (Antarctic, snowy, silver gray), skuas,

Antarctica - habitat for several species of seals: Weddell seal, Ross seal, crabeater seal, southern sea ​​Elephant, sea ​​leopard, Kerguelen fur seal.

Whales live here: blue whale, flat-fronted bottlenose, sperm whale, killer whales, sei whale, southern minke whale.

It is hard to imagine, but even here, on the icy continent, there is vegetation. Lichens, cereal and clove herbs, whose height does not exceed 1 cm, and some types of moss hide in the crevices of the rocks.

Polar stations of Antarctica

The photo shows a view of the McMurdo Antarctic Station, November 2011

Most of the stations are located in the coastal zone of the continent, and only three of them are located in the depths. These are the American Amundsen-Scott base, the Franco-Italian Concordia and the Russian Vostok base.

Connected with the opening of the Vostok interesting story. When, in the early 1950s, at a meeting in Paris, the questions of the development of Antarctica were being decided, our delegation was given the task of proving at all costs that Soviet Union there are sufficient resources to maintain the operation of the station at the very South Geographic Pole. But due to delays with passports and visas, our delegate was late for the beginning of the meeting, and this place had already been promised to the Americans. We got the South geomagnetic pole and the pole of inaccessibility. In 1957, the scientific station "Vostok" was founded at the South geomagnetic pole. And 50 years later, scientists managed to get a sample of the water from an underground lake, which, as it turned out, was located right under the station! Fifth in terms of volume fresh water Hidden under the ice at a depth of almost 4000 m, Lake Vostok sheds light on the origin of the Earth and life on Earth. This is incredible luck!

Pictured is a spring sunset near Palmer Arctic Station on March 31, 2011.

There are 5 in total in Antarctica. Russian bases working all year round: Bellingshausen, Mirny, Vostok, Progress, Novolazarevskaya. Scientists study the atmosphere, weather, ice, the movement of the earth's crust. On all bases - maximum comfortable conditions: in addition to everything necessary for work, there are rest rooms, gym, billiards, library. IP-telephony and Internet access have been established, broadcasting of the 1st channel is being broadcast.

The closest neighbors of scientists from the Novolazarevskaya base are specialists from India. The name of their base - "Maitri" - means "friendship" and best describes the relationship between polar explorers. By the way, the warm, friendly atmosphere has always been here. Even during the period cold war scientists conducted joint research, used the achievements of each other.

Pictured is a satellite communications dish at McMurdo Antarctic Station.

In addition to traditional holidays, the bases celebrate the beginning and end of each expedition. At a gala dinner, a symbolic handover of the key to the station takes place. Despite an early meeting with their relatives, scientists leaving the station involuntarily envy those who stay for the winter - Antarctica does not let go. Cold, blizzard, but so beautiful.

Author Lisa Sokolova asked a question in Climate, Weather, Time zones

what time is it in antarctica and got the best answer

Answer from Helga[guru]
Antarctica is a place where everything looks the same. Everything seems the same, but not the time. On this continent, time zones intersect and overlap.
Most Antarctic stations have the time of the state to which this station belongs. Since the stations are located randomly, sometimes there are amazing paradoxes. It is enough to drive a couple of kilometers to the neighboring Antarctic station to get a few hours back. A map of "time zones" in Antarctica is attached. It's funny that the time at stations Scott (NZ) and Rothera (UK) differs by as much as fifteen hours. Although the stations are not located at different ends the globe.
Time zones in Antarctica

At the North and South Poles, the meridians converge at one point, and therefore the concept of time zones, and at the same time local time, loses its meaning there. It is believed that time at the poles corresponds to universal time, but at Amundsen-Scott station (South Pole) New Zealand time is valid, and not universal time at all.
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Answer from 3 answers[guru]

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The official version says that Antarctica was discovered during the Russian expedition of Bellingshausen and Lazarev in 1820. But already to late XIX century, researchers doubted this fact and put forward a hypothesis that the discovery of the mainland happened much earlier. The reason for this was a map compiled by the Turkish admiral Piri Rais ...

Ancient subglacial lake discovered in Antarctica

Antarctica on an ancient map

When compiling maps, Rice used manuscripts that survived after the destruction of the Library of Alexandria by the Arabs. The map around which passions flared up was dated 1513. It is interesting that it was marked mountain ranges Antarctica, which are now buried under a layer of ice and were discovered more recently using seismic sounding.

It's curious that almost all ancient geographers were firmly convinced of the existence of a certain continent in the South. There was also legendary information about the land in the South, dating back to the 15th century BC.

In 1897, the English steam brig Queen Elizabeth anchored in a creek off the Antarctic coast of Queen Maud Land. It should be noted that this year turned out to be abnormally hot throughout the globe. When the sailors climbed a small plateau 10 miles from the coast, they saw that the ruins of unknown structures had thawed out from under the many meters of ice. Unfortunately, it turned out to be impossible to get inside, since the lower part of the structures was still under the ice ...

Based on the sensational find, a special expedition was planned, which was to take place in 1899. But the Anglo-Boer War began, and with its beginning all plans were forgotten. And only in the second half of the 20th century, in 1977, the research was continued thanks to new unexpected finds.

Mysterious golden hairs in Antarctica

Then experimental studies were carried out in the ice basin of the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute. An expedition from Antarctica unloaded ice cores obtained by drilling a kilometer-long layer of ice over one of the subglacial Antarctic lakes. It has been suggested that this ice should not be used, much less melted, until it is found to be free of pathogens.

And then they decided to involve biologists in the research. Samples were taken for analysis, which showed that one of the samples contained short gold wires as thick as a human hair, as well as wood chips. It is interesting that the length of the metal hairs was 2 centimeters, and all the hairs found in different samples had the same length, even ends, and had almost no elasticity. During the experiment, they were squeezed with tweezers, and dents appeared on them.

These mysterious hairs did not dissolve either in hydrochloric or sulfuric, or in nitric or acetic acids, which is characteristic only of gold ...

There is also evidence from Norwegian archaeologists dating back to the late 80s. They claim to have found Antarctic ice gold jewelry, dishes, masks and even unknown tools. True, this discovery was “silenced” in scientific circles, since it went very much contrary to the generally accepted version of the history of the mainland ...

Apparently, in ancient geological eras, Antarctica was distinguished by a warm climate, an abundance of flora and fauna. A natural disaster that changed conditions on the mainland most likely destroyed the bridges connecting East Antarctica with Africa and South America. Findings found in layers 280-320 million years old have become evidence of climate change.

Among them are the fossil remains of plants and animals, including ichthyosaurs, which were heat-loving reptiles, and fern flora.