What is Antarctica for children. Antarctica: interesting facts, finds, discoveries

Antarctica is the fifth largest continent on our planet with an area of more than 14 million square kilometers and at the same time the least explored and mysterious of all seven continents. For many years, scientists have been wondering what is hidden under the ice of Antarctica, exploring the flora and fauna of the continent. In this topic, I will introduce you to the most interesting facts about Antarctica.

Do you know where it is on Earth? Of course, you will say that this is the Sahara desert, and you will be wrong. According to the definition, Antarctica is by all criteria a real desert, despite the fact that it is covered with a huge layer of ice - this ice has been on the continent for a very, very long time.

The largest one broke off the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica on March 20, 2000. Its area is 11,000 square kilometers, its length is 295 kilometers and its width is 37 kilometers. An iceberg goes 200 meters deep and rises 30 meters above sea level. Imagine the impressive size of this hulk ...

Have you heard of Icefish? These are the most cold-adapted creatures on the planet and the only white-blooded vertebrates. They are perfect at camouflaging themselves against the backdrop of glaciers due to their ghostly white color. These creatures live at temperatures from +2°C to -2°C for 5 million years (-2°C is the freezing point of sea water)

If you drill through the ice in Antarctica, you will end up with a long cylinder of ice that scientists call an ice core. Such ice cores are used by researchers in the study of Antarctica, allowing them to go back tens of thousands of years, providing valuable information about the Earth's climate throughout history. This way you can get water that was frozen at the time of Jesus Christ

The Antarctic ice sheet is made up of 29 million cubic kilometers of ice. If all the ice of Antarctica melted, it would cause an increase in sea level by 60-65 meters. But don't worry - under current conditions, it would take approximately 10,000 years.

Only 0.4 percent of Antarctica. The ice of Antarctica contains 90% of all ice on the planet and 60-70% of all fresh water in the world

During the fattening season in Antarctica, an adult blue whale eats approximately 4 million shrimp per day, which equates to 3,600 kg daily for 6 months.

Antarctica is the best place in the world to find meteorites. Dark meteorites are easily detected against the background of white ice and snow and are not covered with vegetation. In some places, meteorites accumulate in large quantities due to ice flows.

At the beginning of winter, the sea begins to freeze over, expanding by about 100,000 square kilometers a day. Ultimately, this doubles the size of Antarctica. It's unbelievable how such a huge area forms and then disappears again year after year.

Approximately 0.03% of Antarctica is ice-free, this area is called the Dry Valleys. The humidity here is extremely low. In fact, this is the driest place on the planet. The conditions here are close to the conditions of Mars, because NASA astronauts often undergo training here. The Dry Valleys have not had rain for over 2 million years.

The most interesting fact is that approximately 200 million years ago Antarctica was one with South America, Africa, India, Australia, and New Zealand on a single large continent called Gondwana. There was no ice cover, the climate was warm, trees grew, and big animals lived. All the secrets of Gondwana today are under the deep ice cover of Antarctica, and it is not so easy to unravel them ...

Obviously, Antarctica is the largest, driest and coldest desert on the planet. However, every year many people who want to visit this continent come here as tourists. Do you also have a desire to visit here?

Antarctica was discovered much later than other continents, and Russian sailors were the first to sail to it, almost 200 years ago. Antarctica is translated literally from Greek as "the opposite of the Arctic". You can get there by plane or icebreaker-ship, which knows how to make its way through the ice.

Situated Antarctica at the South Pole of the Earth. This continent is the realm of eternal cold. It is covered with a thick layer of ice. And the waters of the Indian and Pacific oceans splash around. Antarctica has a very cold climate, it can be cold up to minus 90 degrees.

Perhaps only the Snow Queen could live in Antarctica permanently - she would have liked the ice cliffs and snow-covered deserts. But ordinary people have a hard time in such conditions. Therefore, they come here for a very short time - on scientific expeditions: they explore the air and water, look for minerals - substances that help make life easier for a person. Interestingly, the most "summer" month here is February, so just at this time, scientists come here for their shifts.

Exploring such a harsh continent is not for the timid.

However, some living creatures and plants in Antarctica are quite comfortable. Tiny islands of land protruding from under the ice are covered with mosses and lichens, seals and elephant seals bask in the rookeries, penguins walk importantly among the snowy deserts. By the way, only in Antarctica are found emperor penguins, they differ from others in that they are much larger and taller than their counterparts.

Emperor penguins are native to Antarctica. It's amazing how they could adapt to life in such a cold.

At the end of the last century, Russian scientists discovered an ice-free lake under the ice in Antarctica and named it "East", it is the largest, in total there are more than 140 subglacial lakes.

In 2000, an iceberg broke away from the ice shelf, which is the largest iceberg that exists in our time, its area is 11,000 square meters. km., length 295 km., and width - 37 km., rises above sea level by 30 meters.

There are also active volcanoes on the continent. The most famous of them is Erebus, that is, "a volcano guarding the path to the South Pole."

This is what Erebus volcano looks like from a bird's eye view

Here is such a mysterious, snowy and impregnable Antarctica!

Antarctica is the coldest continent on Earth. Antarctica owes its unique natural features to its geographical location. Almost the entire continent is located beyond the Antarctic Circle. The sun never rises high above. In summer, a polar day comes to Antarctica, and in winter - a polar night, the duration of which does not reach up to six months - only once a year you can watch the sunrise and sunset here. The slanting rays of the sun cannot warm this continent, and therefore it is in the grip of eternal cold. It is covered with a kilometer-long ice shell, only in places black bare Antarctic rocks - nunataks - peep out from under the ice. The natural world of the mainland is quite scarce. Of the plants, mosses and lichens predominate here, there are several species of flowering plants. Fur seals arrange their rookeries along the coast of Antarctica, flocks of penguins settle. Due to its remoteness, Antarctica became the last discovered continent on Earth. Its discovery took place only in the 19th century during the Russian Antarctic expedition led by F.F. Bellingshausen and M.P. . Antarctica was the only continent on the planet that humans could not inhabit. And today there is no permanent population in Antarctica, moreover, all territories south of the 60th parallel do not belong to any state in the world and are the property of all mankind. Here is the so-called pole of inaccessibility - the point as far as possible from all the settlements of the Earth. International research is actively conducted in Antarctica, now there are 37 stations with a total staff of up to 3,000 people. At the Soviet station Vostok, now remaining the only inland Russian polar station, on July 21, 1983, the lowest temperature on Earth was recorded -89.2 ° C. Indeed, the climatic conditions of the Antarctic are the most severe on the entire planet, at extremely low temperatures there is very little precipitation, and the strongest winds blow - at speeds of up to 90 m / s. Antarctica is very similar to Mars in its climate.

The list of geographical objects for students in grade 7, which you need to know and mark on the contour map:

Coastline:
Seas: Wedell, Lazarev, Larsen, Cosmonauts, Commonwealth, D "Urville, Somov, Ross, Amundsen, Bellingshausen.
Peninsulas: Antarctic
Lands: Victoria, Wilkes, Queen Maud, Alexander I, Ellsworth, Mary Byrd
Relief:
Mountains: Transantarctic, Gamburtseva, Vinson massif
Plains: Byrd, Eastern
Plateau: Soviet, Polar, Eastern
Highest point: city (5140 m)
Volcanoes: Erebus, Terror
Climate:
Glaciers: Ross, Ronne, Lambert
Cold Circum-Antarctic Current of Western Winds
Other important objects
South Pole, Magnetic Pole, Pole of Inaccessibility, Vostok station (cold pole), Russian stations: Mirny, Progress, Novolazarevskaya, Bellingshausen
Designate travel routes

Eleonora Ryabkova

A cold fairy tale is a legend of Antarctica.

Target: To form ideas about the geographical location, climate, animals of Antarctica, repeat the structural features of birds, conduct an experiment proving the adaptability of animals to their habitat. Cultivate respect for nature. Expand and activate vocabulary. Develop listening skills in children. The ability to know. To consolidate the ability of children to sculpt penguins, conveying their characteristic features: the shape of the body, head, based on ideas and previously acquired knowledge. Develop attention, logical thinking, cognitive interest, interest in the result of their activities.

Preliminary work:

Examination of illustrations depicting the cold zones of the planet.

Reading books about Antarctica.

Event progress:

Guys today we will learn a lot of interesting things about the coldest place on earth.

I will tell you a fairy tale-legend about Antarctica. We will conduct an experiment and make a collective craft.

Sit comfortably and closer to each other so that it is warmer.

Quiet winter music plays. Winter night light included.

Fairy tale legend. Antarctica.

Thousands of years ago there was a small wonderful island near Antarctica. Fragrant flowers bloomed on it, beautiful birds flew, there was always a rainbow in the sky. And around the island in the ocean floated ice floes and icebergs. And then one day an ice floe nailed to the island, and a barrel lay on it. There was someone inside the barrel. The barrel rolled and squeaked on the ice floe.

Educator: Guys, let's see what's in there.

A game: development of fine motor skills "Find an object and guess."

Target. Develop tactile sensations, stimulate the development of sensory perception, activate active points. Massage of palms and fingertips.

Description of the game. An egg is hidden in a barrel with different types of cereals, and a penguin is hidden in the egg. Children find an egg, guess who is in the egg.

Educator: Guys, let's open the egg and see who hid there!

But first, I'll give you riddles.

1. I'm new from an egg, and I look like a chick.

What kind of bird is my mother?

Where can I find her?

I am not a goose or a peacock.

Guess me. (penguin).

2. Far in the very south,

Where only ice, frost and blizzards,

Without taking off the black tailcoat,

A fisherman jumps into the sea. (penguin).

Continuation…

Suddenly, an egg rolled out of the barrel, and a penguin hatched from the egg.

This is how a small inhabitant appeared on the island.

One day such a blizzard hit the island that everything on the island was swept up.

Breathing exercises:"Winter storm".

Tasks: increase the volume of breathing, normalize its rhythm, develop a smooth, long, economical exhalation. Breathing exercises improve the activity of the respiratory muscles, enhance metabolic and recovery processes. In addition, breathing exercises allow you to develop a strong air stream, which is necessary for proper speech.

Descriptions of gymnastics: Weighs a mobile with snowflakes. Children stand in a circle and blow on snowflakes.

Continuation….

This winter flew over Antarctica, testing its possessions. Flying over the ocean, she saw an island of unprecedented beauty, where flowers bloomed, birds sang, and there was the most beautiful rainbow. Winter was outraged that her white bedspread suddenly appeared colored paint. She swept the whole island and took the rainbow.

Seeing that winter was taking away the rainbow, the little penguin flew after it. He tried to grab the rainbow with his beak, but he couldn't do it. On the third attempt, he caught the rainbow's tail, but then the winter blew on him, and he flew down into the ocean.

And winter cast a spell, "May the penguins lose their ability to fly and never be able to take to the skies." It will always be cold here and everything is covered with snow.

The ocean is covered in ice

Waves do not rage in it.

He is end to end

Like an icy desert

Kingdom of cold and darkness

Kingdom of Mother Winter.

Fizminutka:

White and black penguins.

Far visible on the ice floes.

Here they are walking together.

It is necessary for order.

Palms outstretched,

And they jumped a little.

Hands slightly raised

And they ran to the mat.

Continuation….

But then a bird fluttered out of the snowdrift, and, shivering from the cold, quietly uttered magic words: “Let the penguins not fly into the sky, but they will fly into the sea - catch fish, play in the water.” And so that the penguin is not lonely, he will have many friends. They will not freeze, they will have a fur coat that does not get wet and will warm even in the most severe frost. And instead of a stolen rainbow, they will be pleased with a colored curtain.

Educator: Can you guys guess what this curtain is?

Even in summer the snow does not melt

The sun is not strong enough!

Sky rainbow colored

Dress up sometimes!

What is this miracle garment?

This is the northern lights.

Experience-experiment:"Warm coat for a penguin."

Target: stimulate children's interest in experimentation, independent understanding of ongoing processes. To educate the cognitive interest of children in the phenomena and objects around us. To teach children to independently draw conclusions based on the results of the experiment, based on previously received ideas and their own assumptions.

Description of the experimental experience: Dip cotton balls in oil and dip in water.

Continuation….

It all worked out that way.

Antarctica has become the coldest place on earth, so winter decided.

On the globe, Antarctica is marked in white, the color of snow, ice, cold. Now there are no flowers, and there are never warm days and rains. Only frosts are cracking, it is snowing, and blizzards are sweeping.

Antarctica, Antarctica! You are cold even in appearance

You are on a colored globe, an icy stain.

But our little penguin remained there, who made friends, as the bird promised.

Penguins play, fish and enjoy the Northern Lights.

So our fairy tale-legend came to an end.

Let's try to make this magical island. We blind the penguins and put them there.

GCD. Modeling.

Target: To acquaint children with plasticine and its properties. To form in children an interest in modeling.

Tasks: to consolidate children's knowledge about animals and birds of Antarctica, about penguins.

Develop imagination, creativity, memory. To teach children to sculpt a four-part penguin (head, body, two wings)

develop fine motor skills. Cultivate diligence, perseverance.

Quiet music is playing, the guys are sculpting penguins.

Conclusion:

We now know that penguins are birds and cannot fly. But they dive and swim well and do not freeze. They live in the northern latitudes, where there is a magical curtain "Northern Lights".

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Ecology

No place in the world compares to the vast white desert, where there are four main elements: snow, ice, water and rocks. The grandeur of its ice shelves and mountain ranges further emphasizes the splendor of nature.

Everyone who comes to the most isolated continent must make a difficult journey or a long flight. Of course, we are talking about Antarctica - a stunning place where all the extremes of our Earth seem to be concentrated. Here are 10 of the most amazing facts about this mysterious continent.

1. There are no polar bears in Antarctica

Polar bears do not live in Antarctica at all, but in the Arctic. Penguins inhabit most of Antarctica, but it is unlikely that a penguin will meet a polar bear in natural conditions. Polar bears live in areas such as northern Canada, Alaska, Russia, Greenland and Norway. It's too cold in Antarctica because there are no polar bears. However, recently, scientists are starting to think about how to populate polar bears in Antarctica, as the Arctic is gradually melting.

2. There are rivers in Antarctica

One of them is the Onyx River, which carries meltwater to the east. The Onyx River flows to Lake Vanda, located in Dry Valley Wright. Due to extreme climatic conditions, it only flows for two months during the Antarctic summer. Its length is 40 km, and although there are no fish, microorganisms and algae live in this river.

One of the most interesting facts about Antarctica is the contrast between the dry climate and the amount of water (70 percent fresh water). This continent is the driest place on our planet. Even the hottest desert in the world receives more rain than the Dry Valleys of Antarctica. In fact, the entire South Pole receives about 10 cm of precipitation per year.

There are no permanent residents in Antarctica. The only people who live there for any period of time are those who are part of the temporary scientific communities. In summer, the number of scientists and support staff is about 5,000, while in winter no more than 1,000 people remain to work here.

There is no government on Antarctica, and no country in the world owns this continent. Although many countries have tried to claim ownership of these lands, an agreement has been reached that grants Antarctica the privilege of being the only region on Earth that is not ruled by any country.

6. Looking for meteorites

One of the interesting facts about this continent is the fact that Antarctica is the best place to find meteorites. Apparently, meteorites that hit the Antarctic ice sheet are better preserved than anywhere else on Earth. Fragments of meteorites from Mars are the most valuable and unexpected discoveries. Probably, the speed of release from this planet had to be about 18,000 km / h, in order for the meteorite to reach the Earth.

7. Lack of time zones

It is the only continent without time zones. The scientific community in Antarctica tends to stick to the time that is associated with their native land, or align the time with a supply line that supplies them with food and essentials. Here you can go through all 24 time zones in a few seconds.

8 Animals Of Antarctica

It's the only place on earth where you can find emperor penguins. These are the tallest and largest of all penguin species. Emperor penguins are also the only species that breeds during the Antarctic winter, while the penguin Adele compared to other species, it breeds in the southernmost part of the mainland. Of the 17 penguin species, 6 varieties are found in Antarctica.

Despite the fact that this continent is also hospitable for blue whales, killer whales and fur seals, Antarctica is not rich in land animals. One of the largest life forms here is an insect, a wingless midge. Belgica antarctica, about 1.3 cm long. There are no flying insects due to extreme windy conditions. However, black springtails can be found among the colonies of penguins, which jump like fleas. In addition, Antarctica is the only continent that does not have native ant species.

The largest land mass covered with ice is Antarctica, where 90 percent of the world's ice is concentrated. The average thickness of ice on Antarctica is about 2133 m. If all the ice on Antarctica melts, the world's sea level will rise by 61 m. But the average temperature on the continent is -37 degrees Celsius, so there is no danger of melting yet. In fact, most of the continent will never get above freezing.

10. The biggest iceberg

Iceberg B-15 is one of the largest icebergs on record. Its length is approximately 295 km, its width is about 37 km, and its surface area is 11,000 square meters. km, which is larger than the island of Jamaica. Its approximate mass was approximately 3 billion tons. And after nearly a decade, parts of that iceberg still haven't melted.

Portal for the student. Self-training

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