Climatic Zones of Antarctica

Antarctica, the coldest, driest, windiest continent, has two primary climatic zones:

1. Coastal Zone

• Milder temperatures: avg -10°C (14°F)
• Higher precipitation: ~200 mm/year (mostly snow)
• Influenced by Southern Ocean moderation

2. Interior Zone (Polar Plateau)

• Extreme cold: avg -55°C (-67°F)
• Very low precipitation: <50 mm/year (polar desert)
• High elevation (avg 2,500 m), thin air, persistent katabatic winds

Extremes: Highest recorded: 18.3°C (Hope Bay, 1982). Lowest: -89.2°C (Vostok Station, 1983). Climate change is warming the peninsula, melting ice shelves, and threatening ecosystems.