Quck answer

The coldest place on Earth is considered to be a ridge in Antarctica called the East Antarctic Plateau. It has been recorded to reach temperatures as low as -128.6 degrees Fahrenheit (-89.2 degrees Celsius). This extreme cold is due to the combination of high elevation, clear skies, and the absence of human activity. The East Antarctic Plateau is a desolate and remote region, making it an ideal location for such extreme temperatures. Scientists study this area to better understand the Earth’s climate and how it may be affected by global warming.

---

Imagine a beautiful, sunny beach on a tropical island. You’re lying in a hammock under a large palm tree, enjoying the warmth. The temperature is over 100° F, but the cool ocean breeze keeps you comfortable in the shade.

Now, think of the complete opposite of that image. Picture yourself freezing under layers of blankets while the wind howls outside your igloo in the middle of a vast icy landscape.

Our planet, Earth, has some regions with extreme temperatures. Have you ever wondered where the coldest place on Earth is?

If you want to find the coldest place, you need to head south, all the way to Antarctica! Antarctica is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent on Earth. It also has the highest average elevation compared to other continents.

Antarctica is located almost entirely south of the Antarctic Circle. It is the southernmost continent, and it is surrounded by the Southern Ocean.

About 98% of Antarctica is covered in ice, which is almost a mile thick. Despite this, Antarctica is considered a desert because it only receives about eight inches of precipitation each year. It’s surprising to think that a desert can be covered in ice, isn’t it?

Due to its extremely cold temperatures and harsh climate, Antarctica is not a suitable place for permanent human settlement. However, throughout the year, there are usually between 1,000-5,000 people living in research stations on Antarctica while conducting scientific experiments.

So, just how cold does it get in Antarctica? Very, very cold! The coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth was -128.6° F at the Russian Vostok Station in Antarctica on July 21, 1983. To put it into perspective, it’s about 20° F colder than subliming dry ice!

Antarctica experiences drastic temperature variations throughout the year. In winter, temperatures can drop as low as -112° F and even lower. In the summer, near the coast, temperatures can rise to almost 60° F.

Despite the freezing temperatures, sunburn is a major health concern in Antarctica all year round. The snow and ice reflect almost all of the ultraviolet light, so wearing sunscreen is essential.

If you’re curious about the coldest permanently-inhabited place on Earth, it is Oymyakon in the Siberia area of Russia. Oymyakon has an average annual temperature of just 3° F. The coldest month, January, has an average temperature of -51° F.

Oymyakon, located about 200 miles south of the Arctic Circle, is home to over 200,000 people. In Oymyakon, schools only close when the temperature drops below -61° F. Some residents even keep their vehicles running all day to ensure they start when needed!

Give it a try

Are you ready to warm up? Ask a friend or family member to join you in trying out the following activities:

Cold Temperature Science Experiments

There’s no need to travel to extreme locations like Siberia or Antarctica to explore the effects of cold temperatures. Instead, you can conduct some fun and freezing cold science experiments right at home. All you need is a friend or family member to join in on the fun. Here are a few experiments you can try:

1. Freezing Water: Explore the process of freezing water and observe how it transforms from a liquid to a solid state.
2. Easy Snow and Ice Experiments: Discover the unique properties of snow and ice through various simple experiments.
3. The Lifting Ice Cube Experiment: Learn about buoyancy and density by experimenting with ice cubes that can lift objects.

Do you prefer living in a place with consistently warm or cold weather? The answer may vary depending on personal preferences. Some individuals enjoy warm weather as it allows for more outdoor activities. On the other hand, some people believe that it is easier to warm up in cold weather compared to cooling down in hot weather. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of hot versus cold weather and decide which type of climate you would choose if given the opportunity to live anywhere.

If you had the chance, would you visit Antarctica? National Geographic’s Destination: Antarctica video provides insights into this frigid region. Reflect on the activities you would like to experience if you were able to travel to Antarctica.

Additional Resources

• For more information on the coldest places on Earth, visit: http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/eco-tourism/stories/the-coldest-places-on-earth
• Learn about extreme cold temperatures at: http://www.extremescience.com/coldest.htm