9 ALWAYS MORE TO EXPLORE Antarctica in numbers 180˚ 165˚ 165˚ 150˚ 150˚ 135˚ 135˚ 120˚ 120˚ 105˚ 105˚ 90˚ 90˚ 75˚ 75˚ 60˚ 60˚ 45˚ 45˚ 30˚ 30˚ 15˚ 15˚ 0˚ South Pole BIRDS: Wandering Albatross, Snow Petrel, Antarctic Skua, Blue-eyed Shag, Giant Petrel, Cape Petrel, Snowy Sheathbill, Antarctica Tern PENGUINS: King Penguins (South Georgia voyages only), Adélie Penguins, Chinstrap Penguins, Gentoo Penguins TERRESTRIAL FAUNA SPECIES About 98% thick continental ice sheet and 2% barren rock. The ice surface dramatically grows in size from about 3 million square kilometres (1.2 million square miles) at the end of summer to about 19 million square kilometres (7.3 million square miles) by winter. ICE SHEETS 98% OF ANTARCTICA'S SURFACE 2.16km The mean thickness of the Antarctic ice sheet is 2.16 kilometres; the maximum known thickness of the ice sheet is 4,776 metres (Terre Adélie). Without the ice, Antarctica may be the lowest lying continent; the greatest known depression of bedrock is the Byrd Subglacial Basin, at 2,538 metres below sea level. 1,000 POPULATION There are numerous research stations set up across the continent. Summer: 4,400 people reside Winter: 1,000 people reside FIRST SERIOUS ATTEMPT AT EXPLORATION In 1773 James Cook and his crew crossed the Antarctic Circle for the first time. They discovered South Georgia in 1775, but although Cook surmised a frozen continent further south they did not catch sight of Antarctica itself. FLORA SPECIES Six pinniped species inhabit Antarctica. The largest, the Elephant Seal, and the Antarctic Fur Seal live north of the sea ice. The other four species can live on the sea ice – Crabeater Seals, Weddell Seals, Leopard Seals and Ross Seals. There are 10 cetacean species; six baleen whales, and four toothed whales and Orcas. MARINE FAUNA SPECIES 1773 Bryophytes like mosses and liverworts, as well as lichen, algae and fungi varieties grow in Antarctica. Most growth lasts just a few weeks during the height of summer. There are 200 species of lichens and 50 species of moss in Antarctica, while algae are in abundance with 700 species of mostly phytoplankton. 950 235 0°/15° 17 SUMMER TEMPERATURES Celsius ( 32/ 59° Fahrenheit ) The Antarctic is colder than the Arctic because Antarctica is a landmass: receives less heat from the ocean. ICE THICKNESS Wildlife sightings listed here are possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed. Your Expedition Leader and Captain will work together to ensure opportunities are the best possible, taking into account the prevailing weather, wildlife activity and ice conditions.
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