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ICSE Class 7 Geography Question 12 of 15

Antarctica — Question 12

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Question 6(h)

Describe the physical features of the continent of Antarctica.

Answer

The physical features of the continent of Antarctica are:

  1. Antarctica is covered with thick sheet of ice. There are no coastal plains. It is covered by Permafrost.
  2. The transantarctic mountains divide the continent into two parts. The smaller and narrower western part is called Lesser Antarctica and the larger eastern part is called Greater Antarctica.
  3. Vinson Massif in Ellsworth land is the highest mountain of the continent.
  4. Mt. Sidley is the highest volcano in Antarctica.
  5. The highest point in Eastern Antarctica is Kirkpatrick in transantarctic mountains and second highest is Mount Erebus on Ross Island which is an active volcano.
  6. A plateau called Queen Maud land is located along the coastal area on the eastern side of the continent.
  7. The South pole lies on the South Pole plateau at a height of 2785 m above sea level.

ICSE Class VII Geography — Chapter 7: Study of Continents: Antarctica

Bright Tutorials | ICSE Class VII | Geography | Chapter 7

Antarctica — The Frozen Continent

Antarctica is the fifth largest continent, located around the South Pole. It is the coldest (-89.2°C record), driest (less than 200 mm precipitation), windiest (katabatic winds up to 300 km/h), and highest continent. No country owns it, and there are no permanent residents — only scientists at research stations. Its ice sheet covers 98% of the continent and contains 70% of the world's fresh water.

Exploration — The Race to the South Pole

The race to the South Pole between Roald Amundsen (Norway) and Robert Scott (Britain) is one of history's most dramatic events. Amundsen reached first on 14 December 1911 using dog sleds and careful planning. Scott arrived 35 days later on 17 January 1912 and died on the return journey. Ernest Shackleton's Endurance expedition (1914-16), where his ship was crushed by ice, is considered one of the greatest survival stories ever.

Wildlife, Research, and the Antarctic Treaty

Antarctica's food chain depends on krill — tiny creatures eaten by penguins, seals, and whales. Emperor penguins breed in winter at -60°C. India has two research stations: Maitri (1989) and Bharati (2012). The Antarctic Treaty (1959) ensures Antarctica is used for peaceful purposes and scientific research only, with no military activity, mining, or nuclear testing allowed.

Key Takeaways for ICSE Class VII Students

  • Antarctica has penguins but NO polar bears (polar bears are in the Arctic)
  • Amundsen reached South Pole FIRST (14 Dec 1911); Scott reached 35 days later
  • Antarctica is a "cold desert" — it gets very little precipitation
  • India's stations: Maitri (1989) and Bharati (2012)
  • If all ice melted, sea levels would rise by 58 metres