Antárctica: Um Continente de Extremos

An Educational Article Inspired by 2041 School – Champions of Antarctica

Antarctica is one of the most extraordinary places on Earth. It is the coldest, driest and windiest continent, and it holds nearly all of the world’s ice and much of its freshwater. Despite its harsh conditions, it is a place of remarkable beauty, scientific discovery and inspiring human endeavour.

The Icy Heart of the Continent

At the centre of Antarctica lies a vast expanse of ice. In some regions, this ice sheet is an astonishing four kilometres thick. To imagine this, picture the Shard in London buried under the ice with 12 more stacked on top, and only the very tip of the top one peeking out. This immense ice sheet forms the Polar Plateau in East Antarctica, which stands about 3,000 metres above sea level. Here you will find the South Pole and the Amundsen-Scott Research Station.

Antarctica is home to a large community of international scientists who live at research stations around the coastline. Their work helps us to understand the continent and track how it is changing over time. These stations are shared with some rather unusual neighbours: penguins, seals and whales.

Mountains, Glaciers and Other Natural Wonders

The continent is split into East and West Antarctica by the Transantarctic Mountains. Stretching over 3,200 kilometres, this is one of the longest mountain ranges on Earth. In West Antarctica, the Ellsworth Mountains rise dramatically, including Mount Vinson, the continent’s highest peak at 4,892 metres. To reach that height, you would need to stack the Shard nearly 15 times.

Parts of the Ellsworth range, such as the Heritage Range, are home to enormous glaciers. One of the most impressive is Union Glacier, which is 86 kilometres long, roughly the distance from London to Oxford, and nine kilometres wide, broader than 100 football pitches placed side by side.

Antarctica’s coastline is equally dramatic, featuring floating ice shelves and towering icebergs. The continent also contains volcanoes, both hidden beneath the ice sheet and visible on the surface, such as Mount Erebus in East Antarctica and Deception Island in the west.

Life and Adaptation in an Extreme Environment

Although Antarctica might seem lifeless, millions of years ago it supported plants and animals that thrived in a much warmer climate. Today, humans have found clever ways to live and work here, particularly in temporary bases such as Union Glacier Camp in West Antarctica.

Union Glacier Camp, operated by Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions, can host about 70 guests. It supports scientific teams and adventurers heading towards the South Pole or attempting climbs such as Mount Vinson. The camp exists thanks to a natural blue ice runway, smooth enough for large aircraft to land with supplies. It is open only during the Antarctic summer, from November to January, which corresponds to winter in the UK and Europe.

Keeping warm in Antarctica requires many layers of clothing, from base layers and fleeces to insulated coats, waterproof salopettes, thick boots, hats and gloves. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also essential, even in freezing temperatures.

Antarctica’s Protection

Antarctica belongs to no single country. Instead, it is protected by the Tratado da Antárctida, a long-standing agreement between nations that ensures the continent is used only for peaceful and scientific purposes. This shared responsibility helps to preserve one of the most fragile environments on Earth.

Robert Swan: The Ultimate Polar Explorer

No story about modern Antarctic exploration would be complete without mentioning Robert Swan, the co-founder of 2041 School and one of the world’s most inspiring adventurers. Swan holds a unique place in history as the first person to walk to both the North and South Poles.

In January 1986, inspired by Captain Scott, Swan and his team walked to the South Pole without any outside assistance. They had no support, not even radio contact, and hauled all their supplies on sledges weighing 160 kilograms each. That is heavier than two fully grown adults. They dragged this weight across the ice for seventy days and over hundreds of kilometres.

Three years later, Swan completed the second part of his historic achievement when he and a diverse team of eight people from seven different countries trekked to the North Pole. With this expedition, he became the first person to walk to both poles.

Swan has always chosen the more challenging path. In 2017, he and his son, Barney, set off on the South Pole Energy Challenge, aiming to reach the South Pole powered solely by renewable energy. Midway through the journey, Swan was forced to turn back due to a hip injury, but Barney continued and reached the South Pole.

Swan returned to Antarctica determined to finish what he had started. In 2020, he set out again, and on 11 January 2024, he and his team successfully reached the South Pole, completing his dream of crossing the entire Antarctic landmass.

Robert Swan remains a symbol of strength, bravery and determination. His life’s work continues to inspire young people around the world to protect the planet and believe in their ability to create change.

Antarctica and Modern Exploration

Antarctica’s landscapes, from towering mountains and ancient glaciers to bustling research stations and thriving wildlife, make it one of the most remarkable places on Earth. It challenges those who venture there and reminds us of the importance of caring for our planet.

Today, explorers continue to follow in the footsteps of pioneers like Robert Swan. One such modern expedition is being undertaken by Jordan Wylie, National Ambassador of the Army Cadets, who is travelling across Antarctica to raise vital funds for ACCT REINO UNIDO. His journey not only supports a meaningful cause but also helps bring the wonders and challenges of Antarctica to young people across the UK, continuing the legacy of inspiration that defines this extraordinary continent.