MCQ Detailed View

The continent of Antarctica is located at the South Pole, making it the southernmost continent on Earth. It is almost entirely covered with a thick sheet of ice and surrounded by the Southern Ocean. Antarctica is unique because no other continent extends this far south, and it is centered almost exactly on the Earth's geographic South Pole.✅ Location and Geography:

Antarctica stretches from about 60° South latitude down to 90° South latitude, where the pole is situated. It is the fifth-largest continent, covering around 14 million square kilometers, nearly twice the size of Australia. Despite being surrounded by oceans, it is classified as a continent because it has a solid landmass beneath its ice sheets.

✅ Climate:

Antarctica is the coldest place on Earth, with recorded temperatures dropping below -80°C in some regions. Due to its position at the South Pole:

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  It experiences 24 hours of sunlight during summer (November to February).

  
  


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  It faces 24 hours of darkness during winter (May to August).

  
  

This extreme climate is due to its polar location, far from the equator where sunlight is strongest.

✅ Importance:

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  Contains about 70% of Earth's freshwater locked in ice sheets.

  
  


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  Plays a major role in regulating global climate and sea levels.

  
  


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  Supports unique species such as penguins, seals, and cold-water marine life.

  
  


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  A key site for scientific research on weather, astronomy, and environmental change.

  
  

❌ Incorrect Options:

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  North Pole: Refers to the Arctic region in the Northern Hemisphere.

  
  


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  Middle of the Earth: Represents equatorial regions.

  
  


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  Equator: The warmest region, far from Antarctica's cold environment.

  
  

✅ Final Answer:

The continent Antarctica lies at the South Pole, making Option 2 correct.