The Geographic South Pole
Concept Map
The Geographic South Pole is a pivotal point on Earth, located on Antarctica's ice sheet at 90°S latitude. It's marked by the ceremonial pole and is the site of the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station. Historic expeditions by Amundsen and Scott reached this point, and it continues to be a center for scientific study and exploration, despite its harsh climate with months of darkness or continuous daylight.
Summary
Outline
The Geographic South Pole Defined
The Geographic South Pole, also known as the Terrestrial South Pole, is the point at the southern end of the Earth's axis of rotation, directly opposite the North Pole. It is a fixed location on Antarctica's continental ice sheet and is distinct from the South Magnetic Pole, which shifts due to changes in the Earth's magnetic field. The Geographic South Pole is a crucial reference point in Earth's geography and is marked by a ceremonial pole, which is relocated each year to compensate for the glacial movement.Geographic Features and Coordinates of the South Pole
The South Pole is situated at the coordinates of 90°S latitude, and because it is at the axis of Earth's rotation, longitude is not applicable. From this point, every direction is north. The South Pole lies on a high-altitude plateau in Antarctica, over 2,800 meters above sea level, and is surrounded by ice that is approximately 2,700 meters thick. The ice sheet drifts roughly 10 meters each year towards the Weddell Sea, necessitating the annual adjustment of the position of the ceremonial pole to maintain its accuracy.The Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station and the Ceremonial South Pole
The Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station is a research outpost operated by the United States and has been continuously staffed since 1956. It honors the achievements of Roald Amundsen and Robert F. Scott, the first explorers to reach the South Pole. Adjacent to the station is the Ceremonial South Pole, a tourist landmark with a metallic sphere on a pole, encircled by the flags of the Antarctic Treaty signatories. This ceremonial site is a short distance from the actual Geographic South Pole.Historical Expeditions and Monuments at the South Pole
The South Pole has been the target of historic exploratory expeditions. Roald Amundsen's team from Norway was the first to arrive at the pole in 1911, followed by Robert F. Scott's British expedition in 1912. The site hosts several monuments, including a preserved tent from Amundsen's expedition and an Argentine flagpole installed in 1965. These have been recognized as Historic Sites and Monuments, celebrating the enduring spirit of human exploration and the significant achievements of these pioneering expeditions.Ongoing Exploration and Scientific Research
The South Pole continues to be a hub for scientific research and exploration. The Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station facilitates ongoing studies in various fields. The pole is also accessible to non-governmental expeditions, which have achieved numerous milestones, including unassisted treks, the first women to reach the pole, and various record-setting journeys. These activities enhance our knowledge of Antarctica and its unique environmental conditions.Climate Conditions and the Polar Day-Night Cycle
The South Pole endures one of the most extreme climates on Earth, characterized by its high elevation, the reflective nature of the snow, and its location within the Antarctic interior. It experiences months of darkness in winter and continuous daylight in summer, with the sun tracing a slow circle in the sky. The climate is classified as an ice cap climate, with minimal precipitation and extremely low humidity. Temperature records at the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station illustrate the severe conditions found at the pole.Time Zones and Human Activity at the South Pole
Timekeeping at the South Pole is unconventional due to the unique solar cycle, with the sun rising and setting only once each year. The Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station uses New Zealand Time for operational convenience, reflecting its logistical support from New Zealand. While the harsh climate is inhospitable to most life, occasional bird sightings and microbial life in the ice show that life can persist in extreme environments. Fossil discoveries also indicate that in the distant past, when Antarctica's climate was different, it may have been home to feathered dinosaurs, demonstrating the dynamic nature of Earth's climatic and geographic history.
Show More
Definition and Location
Geographic South Pole
The point at the southern end of the Earth's axis of rotation, marked by a ceremonial pole and distinct from the South Magnetic Pole
Coordinates and Features
Latitude and Longitude
The South Pole is situated at 90°S latitude and has no applicable longitude due to its location at the axis of Earth's rotation
Altitude and Ice Thickness
The South Pole is located on a high-altitude plateau in Antarctica, over 2,800 meters above sea level, and is surrounded by approximately 2,700 meters of ice
Annual Adjustment and Movement
The position of the ceremonial pole is adjusted each year to compensate for the glacial movement of approximately 10 meters towards the Weddell Sea
Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station
Research Outpost
The Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station is a continuously staffed research outpost operated by the United States since 1956
Honoring Explorers
The station honors the achievements of Roald Amundsen and Robert F. Scott, the first explorers to reach the South Pole
Ceremonial Site
Adjacent to the station is the Ceremonial South Pole, a tourist landmark with a metallic sphere on a pole and flags of Antarctic Treaty signatories
Historical Expeditions and Monuments
First Expeditions
Roald Amundsen's Norwegian team was the first to reach the South Pole in 1911, followed by Robert F. Scott's British expedition in 1912
Monuments and Historic Sites
Preserved Tent and Flagpole
The South Pole hosts several monuments, including a preserved tent from Amundsen's expedition and an Argentine flagpole installed in 1965, recognized as Historic Sites and Monuments
Celebrating Human Exploration
These monuments celebrate the enduring spirit of human exploration and the significant achievements of pioneering expeditions
Ongoing Exploration and Scientific Research
Hub for Scientific Research
The South Pole continues to be a hub for ongoing scientific research, facilitated by the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station
Non-Governmental Expeditions
The pole is also accessible to non-governmental expeditions, which have achieved numerous milestones and enhanced our knowledge of Antarctica and its unique environmental conditions
Dynamic Nature of Earth
Fossil discoveries and ongoing exploration demonstrate the dynamic nature of Earth's climatic and geographic history
The Geographic South Pole
Learn with Algor Education flashcards
Click on each Card to learn more about the topic
00
The ______ South Pole is at the southern tip of Earth's rotation axis, opposite the ______ Pole.
Geographic
North
01
The ceremonial pole marking the Geographic South Pole is moved annually due to ______ movement.
glacial
02
South Pole coordinates
90°S latitude, no longitude due to Earth's axis.
