The coldest place on Earth is a high ridge on the East Antarctic Plateau, where temperatures in several hollows can plummet below minus 133.6° Fahrenheit (minus 92° Celsius) on a clear winter night.
The East Antarctic Plateau: A Deep Freeze
This extreme cold occurs in a specific region of Antarctica, identified through satellite data analysis. The East Antarctic Plateau is not only the highest ice sheet on Earth but also one of the driest deserts. The unique combination of factors contributes to its unparalleled frigidity:
- High Altitude: The plateau sits at an elevation of about 11,500 feet (3,500 meters) above sea level. Higher altitudes generally mean lower temperatures.
- Dry Air: The extremely dry air over Antarctica allows heat to escape into space more easily, preventing the trapping of warmth.
- Long Polar Nights: During the Antarctic winter, the sun does not rise for months, leading to prolonged periods of darkness and continuous cooling.
- Calm Conditions: On clear nights, particularly in these shallow hollows, the air remains still, allowing the coldest air to settle and accumulate near the surface.
Record-Breaking Temperatures
The temperatures recorded in these Antarctic hollows surpass previous known lows, making them the most extreme cold spots ever measured. For comparison, here are some of the world's notable cold places:
| Location | Temperature (Celsius) | Temperature (Fahrenheit) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Antarctic Plateau (Hollows) | Below -92°C | Below -133.6°F | Coldest recorded via satellite |
| Vostok Station, Antarctica | -89.2°C | -128.6°F | Previous ground-recorded coldest temperature |
| Oymyakon, Russia | -71.2°C | -96.2°F | Coldest permanently inhabited place on Earth |
These incredible lows are observed under specific meteorological conditions, particularly during long, clear winter nights when radiative cooling is maximized. Scientific observations, including those from satellite measurements, have been crucial in identifying and monitoring these super-cold pockets, offering insights into the planet's most extreme climatic conditions.
