Why is Antarctica So Much Far Colder Than Siberia and Arctic Regions?
Introduction
Nature has a habit of surprising us, especially when it comes to the Earth's extreme environments. Despite Siberia and the Arctic region being widely recognized as some of the coldest places on Earth, they fall short when compared to Antarctica. This article delves into the factors that contribute to Antarctica's consistently lower temperatures and explores the unique climatic conditions that make it the coldest place on our planet.
Elevation and Climate
Imagine standing atop a mountain in northern Alaska, over 9,000 feet above sea level. The climate at such elevations is expectedly colder compared to a lowland area. The South Pole, nestled over 9,000 feet above sea level, experiences similar conditions. The rest of the continent mostly sits at elevations over 8,000 feet. Even though lower elevations along the edges of the continent can be found, they too suffer from the extreme cold air that cascades down from the high interior, leaving a frigid wake.
This phenomenon is not unique to Antarctica. Similar conditions can be observed in the vertical temperature gradients of mountains worldwide. The South Pole also faces some of the harshest sea weather, largely due to the same vertical temperature gradient that affects the continental air.
The Role of Latitude and Land Mass
The primary reason for Antarctica's extreme cold lies in its geographical position and the vast expanse of land it contains. The North Pole, in contrast, is less extreme because it sits on an ice pack floating on the ocean. According to the BBC, Antarctica holds the record for the four coldest temperature records on Earth.
Alaska, Siberia, Canada, and Greenland also have some of the coldest areas, particularly during the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere, which typically fall between December and February. However, Antarctica's temperature records were set during the winter in its Southern Hemisphere, during June to August when it is winter down there.
Why Land Mass Matters
The Arctic region, with its vast water coverage, has a very different climate dynamic. The Arctic Ocean water rarely drops below 4 degrees Celsius, which keeps the temperature of the regions around it relatively warm. This is in stark contrast to the land masses of Siberia and Alaska, where temperatures can plummet rapidly.
The North Pole is situated in a subpolar climate regime, making it warmer than Antarctica. Even the southeastern panhandle of Alaska is considered temperate. In contrast, nearly all of Antarctica lies within the Antarctic Circle, enveloped by the Circumpolar Current. This current marks the border of the Southern Ocean and helps in corralling some of its coldest water within it, contributing to the extreme cold.
Ocean Currents and Their Influence
Stephen Haddock, in his detailed analysis, explains the significant role of ocean currents in the climate dynamics of the Southern Hemisphere. The chilling effects of these currents are most pronounced in Antarctica, where they are entirely cold-water currents.
Additionally, Antarctica is mostly land, which heats up and cools down rapidly. After sunset in June, the continent loses heat very quickly, with no warmer water to counteract the cooling. This results in extremely low temperatures, often recorded far inland.
Conclusion
The extreme cold of the Antarctica is not solely determined by its geographical position, but also by its massive land mass and the influence of surrounding currents. Understanding these factors can provide clarity on why the continent remains the coldest place on Earth, even when compared to other frigid regions like Siberia and the Arctic, which benefit from the moderating influence of water.