What is the coldest place in the world?
The coldest place in the world is the East Antarctic highlands, especially Dome Argus (Dome A) and Dome Fuji. These areas are located at the highest points of the Antarctic ice sheet and are known for their extreme cold conditions.
East Antarctic Highlands
The East Antarctic Highlands is a large area that covers a large part of the eastern part of Antarctica. This region is known for its extreme weather conditions, with the coldest recorded temperatures in the world. Due to high glaciers and low humidity, temperatures can drop significantly.
Dome Argus (Dome A)
Dome Argus, also known as Dome A, is one of the highest points in Antarctica. It is located at an altitude of approximately 4,093 meters above sea level. Dome A has measured the world’s coldest temperature, which is -93.2 °C. This measurement was made using satellites in 2010. The extreme coldness of Dome A is due to its high location and the fact that the area is far from the sea, which reduces temperature variation.
Dome Fuji
Dome Fuji is another significant cold area in East Antarctica. It is located at an altitude of about 3,810 meters above sea level. Dome Fuji has measured temperatures that are close to Dome A’s records. The coldness of the area is due to similar factors as Dome A: high location and distance from the sea.
Why are these areas so cold?
- Altitude: Higher areas tend to be colder because air pressure decreases with increasing altitude, resulting in lower temperatures.
- Distance from the sea: The sea acts as a heat reservoir that evens out temperature fluctuations. Further away from the sea, temperatures can drop considerably.
- Dry air: Dry air does not retain heat as well as moist air, resulting in lower temperatures.
Sources
You can read more information about the coldest places in the world from the following sources:
