Question

Give geographical reasons for the following:

Antarctica is called the Polar Desert.

Answer 1

• Antarctica is a polar desert due to its harsh and dry conditions, like hot deserts. Very few plants can survive due to the extreme cold.
• The continent gets about 5 to 10 cm of snow each year and no rain, making it one of the driest places on Earth. Even with its huge ice sheets, average rainfall is similar to that of the Sahara Desert.
• The cold, dry air has low humidity.
• Strong katabatic winds blow away loose snow, reducing snow accumulation.
• The Southern Ocean keeps warm, moist air away, making it a true polar desert.