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.
Show More
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
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
The position of the ceremonial pole is adjusted each year to compensate for the glacial movement of approximately 10 meters towards the Weddell Sea
The Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station is a continuously staffed research outpost operated by the United States since 1956
The station 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 and flags of Antarctic Treaty signatories
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
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
The South Pole continues to be a hub for ongoing scientific research, facilitated by the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station
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
Fossil discoveries and ongoing exploration demonstrate the dynamic nature of Earth's climatic and geographic history
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.
