Deserts are defined by arid conditions and minimal precipitation, though some extreme deserts are characterized by freezing temperatures. These environments present significant challenges for sustained human presence, with a select few remaining largely uninhabited due to their profound inhospitability.
The World’s Most Desolate Desert
The Antarctic Polar Desert is the most extreme desert on Earth, encompassing nearly the entire continent of Antarctica. This vast, ice-covered landmass surrounds the South Pole, making it the southernmost continent. Covering approximately 14 million square kilometers (5.4 million square miles), Antarctica is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent, with the highest average elevation. These conditions collectively prevent permanent human residency; only temporary scientific research stations exist, lacking long-term settlements.
Conditions That Forbid Sustained Human Presence
The environmental factors in Antarctica create an exceptionally challenging environment for human survival.
The continent experiences extreme cold, with an average temperature across Antarctica around -34.4°C (-30°F), and inland areas averaging about -55°C (-67°F). The lowest natural air temperature ever recorded on Earth was -89.2°C (-128.6°F) at Vostok Station on July 21, 1983. Even lower ground temperatures of -93.2°C (-135.8°F) were identified by satellite data in 2010 on the East Antarctic Plateau.
Antarctica is exceptionally arid, receiving very little precipitation, averaging about 150 mm (6 inches) of water equivalent per year. The interior is even drier, receiving less than 50 mm (2 inches) annually, classifying it as a hyper-arid desert. Despite thick ice sheets, liquid water is scarce due to constant freezing temperatures, inhibiting plant growth and making water access difficult.
The continent is known for powerful katabatic winds, which are cold, dense air currents flowing from the high interior plateau towards the coast. These winds can reach speeds exceeding 100 mph, with recorded gusts of up to 327 km/h (199 mph) near the coast, contributing to severe wind chills and whiteout conditions.
The average elevation of Antarctica is over 2,000 meters (6,500 feet), contributing to thinner air and lower oxygen levels, which adds physiological stress for humans. The combination of extreme cold, aridity, high winds, and elevation creates a challenging environment, necessitating advanced technology and logistical support for any temporary human presence.
Life at the Extremes
Despite Antarctica’s harsh conditions, some specialized life forms have adapted to these environments.
Microorganisms are found in diverse Antarctic habitats such as soils, rocks, lakes, and within glacial ice and subglacial waters. These extremophiles demonstrate unique adaptations to survive the cold and dry conditions.
Coastal marine life thrives in the rich Southern Ocean surrounding the continent. This includes abundant phytoplankton, which form the base of the food web, and krill, a keystone species that serves as a primary food source for many larger animals. Seals and penguins are well-known inhabitants of the coastal areas, relying heavily on the marine ecosystem for sustenance. Whales also frequent these nutrient-rich waters.
Terrestrial life on the continent is limited to basic forms, primarily found in the few ice-free areas. These include mosses, lichens, and microscopic invertebrates like mites and nematodes. Only two species of flowering plants, Antarctic hair grass and Antarctic pearlwort, grow in the milder Antarctic Peninsula region. Human presence is restricted to temporary scientific research stations, housing a population varying from approximately 4,000 in summer to 1,000 in winter, entirely dependent on external resupply for survival.