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The Geographic South Pole

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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.

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.
Snowy landscape with explorers in colorful parkas in front of the Amundsen-Scott Station at the South Pole and pole with reflective sphere.

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.

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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.

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