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Antarctica is the southernmost continent on Earth. It is the coldest, driest, windiest, highest (on average) and most isolated continent, with very unique physical and biological characteristics. These fascinating qualities are what draw humans from all over the planet to visit and explore Antarctica, but tourism also contributes to the deterioration of its environment.

Antarctica is also a region very vulnerable to and threatened by climate change. Over the past half-century, there has been a marked warming trend in the Antarctic Peninsula. Much of the rest of Antarctica has cooled during the last 30 years, due to ozone depletion and other factors, but this trend is likely to reverse. Surface waters of the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica have warmed and become less saline, and precipitation in this region has increased. A great deal of legislation has been passed all over the world to protect and preserve it. (Source: EPA, NY Times / Photo: Christian Revival Network)

Researchers equipped seals with temporary satellite tags to collect data on weather conditions.

Researchers equipped seals with temporary satellite tags to collect data on weather conditions.

Seals help researchers understand strange holes in Antarctic sea ice

June 13, 2019, 8:15 a.m. by Mary Jo DiLonardo

Polynyas can act as oases for penguins, whales and seals, giving them a place to breathe.

An illustration of the Earth's ozone layers and atmosphere surrounded by smoke

An illustration of the Earth's ozone layers and atmosphere surrounded by smoke

Why we need to worry about ozone again

May 23, 2019, 11:54 a.m. by Noel Kirkpatrick

Remember how we kicked our CFC habit? Someone else picked it up.

Illustration of Antarctic king

Illustration of Antarctic king

This 'king' once ruled the green, lush forests of Antarctica

February 1, 2019, 8:19 a.m. by Christian Cotroneo

Reptile was probably no bigger than a modern-day iguana, but it had a big impact.

Colin O'Brady calls his wife, Jenna Beshaw, upon completing his trek across Antarctica.

Colin O'Brady calls his wife, Jenna Beshaw, upon completing his trek across Antarctica.

How Colin O'Brady walked across Antarctica without any help at all

December 28, 2018, 5:01 p.m. by Noel Kirkpatrick

The incredible solo trek took nearly 2 months and spanned 932 miles.

polar explorers

polar explorers

14 of history's greatest polar explorers

December 27, 2018, 12:16 p.m. by Laura Moss

These explorers set out for the poles for many different reasons, but they all hold a place in history.

Pine Island Glacier as seen from a satellite image

Pine Island Glacier as seen from a satellite image

Iceberg more than 5 times the size of Manhattan breaks away from Antarctica

October 31, 2018, 10:56 a.m. by Christian Cotroneo

It's the third break from Pine Island Glacier in the last 2 years.

Tabular iceberg from Larsen C ice shelf

Tabular iceberg from Larsen C ice shelf

Here's the story behind that weird, rectangular iceberg

October 24, 2018, 12:09 p.m. by Noel Kirkpatrick

It's an usual example, but it's by no means impossible, say scientists.

Ross Ice Shelf

Ross Ice Shelf

Eerie 'singing' heard coming from an Antarctic ice shelf

October 17, 2018, 5:37 p.m. by Bryan Nelson

Scientists recorded the haunting melody while listening for low-frequency sounds on a research mission.

noctilucent clouds

noctilucent clouds

These electric-blue night clouds are expanding around the globe, says NASA

September 21, 2018, 1:11 p.m. by Michael d'Estries

Beautiful phenomenon, relatively new to science, may be growing due to greenhouse gas emissions.

An edge of Iceberg A-68 as seen in November 2017

An edge of Iceberg A-68 as seen in November 2017

Runaway iceberg that's bigger than Delaware is on the move again

September 6, 2018, 10:58 a.m. by Noel Kirkpatrick

Iceberg A-68 is so large it looks like it's still part of the Larsen C ice shelf.

Illustration of the hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica September 2017

Illustration of the hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica September 2017

Earth's ozone layer still in trouble, study finds

June 28, 2018, 12:25 p.m. by Noel Kirkpatrick

The hole over Antarctica is healing, but a new study finds the planet's ozone layer is thinning at lower latitudes.

A heavily crevassed outlet glacier in Western Palmer Land, Antarctica.

A heavily crevassed outlet glacier in Western Palmer Land, Antarctica.

Antarctic ice loss has tripled in the last 5 years, and here's why that matters

June 14, 2018, 1:50 p.m. by Noel Kirkpatrick

Antarctica ice loss was only contributing 0.2 millimeters per year to sea level rise, but that number has jumped to 0.6 millimeters since 2012.

Scientist with petri dishes, eradicated diseases

8 deadly diseases cured by modern science

Two elephants cuddle one another.

13 facts to change the way you see elephants

Cat's Paw Nebula, Spitzer telescope

10 spectacular images from NASA's Spitzer telescope