South Pole

Pole-south

Geographic Southpole crop

Antarctica 6400px from Blue Marble

Ceremonial South Pole

Amundsen-scott-south pole station 2007

Garmin at 90 Deg South - South Pole

South Pole

The South Pole, also known as the Geographic South Pole or Terrestrial South Pole, is one of the two points where the Earth's axis of rotation intersects its surface. It is the southernmost point on the surface of the Earth and lies on the continent of Antarctica. It is situated opposite the North Pole.

Geography

The South Pole is located on the Antarctic Plateau at an elevation of 2,835 meters (9,306 feet) above sea level. The area is covered by ice that is approximately 2,700 meters (9,000 feet) thick. The exact position of the pole is determined by the Earth's axis of rotation, which is not fixed but undergoes a slight, continuous shift known as polar motion.

Climate

The climate at the South Pole is one of the coldest on Earth. Temperatures can drop below −80 °C (−112 °F) during the winter (March to September). The summer (October to February) is relatively warmer, with temperatures occasionally rising just above −20 °C (−4 °F). The South Pole experiences one day and one night each year, with the sun rising and setting only once.

History

The idea of a southern polar region existed for centuries, but it was not until the 19th and early 20th centuries that explorers began to venture close to the pole. The first confirmed sighting of the mainland of Antarctica was in 1820 by a Russian expedition led by Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen and Mikhail Lazarev. The South Pole was first reached by the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and his team on December 14, 1911. Amundsen's expedition won the race to the pole against a British team led by Robert Falcon Scott, who arrived a month later.

Research and Facilities

The Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, named after the first two explorers to reach the pole, was established in 1956 by the United States. It serves as a scientific research station and is one of the few permanently staffed stations in Antarctica. Scientists conduct research in various fields such as astronomy, atmospheric sciences, and glaciology.

Timekeeping and Time Zones

Due to its unique location, the South Pole does not belong to any time zone. Timekeeping is based on the needs of the residents and the research stations. The Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, for example, operates on New Zealand time (NZST/NZDT), which is convenient for logistics and communication with the main supply base in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Tourism

Although remote and challenging to reach, the South Pole has become a destination for adventure tourism. Tourists typically arrive by ski-equipped aircraft from camps operated on the edge of Antarctica. Visits are strictly regulated to minimize environmental impact.

Environmental Concerns

The South Pole and Antarctica are subject to international treaties aimed at preserving the continent's pristine environment. The Antarctic Treaty System regulates international relations with respect to Antarctica, banning military activity and mineral mining, and supporting scientific research.