【思琪闯南极】南极介绍 Introduction of the Antarctica

The Antarctica, also known as ‘The White Continent’, is possibly the most exciting and unique destination that any of us could ever explore! It is the southernmost continent in the world and is made up of 98% ice, which averages at least 1.9 kilometers in thickness. Antarctica, on average, is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent, and has the highest average elevation① of all the continents. The continent has never had a native population – even today, scientists and other staff members at research stations are only temporary residents – so Antarctic wildlife is still unafraid of people. In 1959, the Antarctic Treaty② was signed by 12 countries to regulate international relations with respect to Antarctica. It provides an agreement for the future care and use of Antarctica. The first article of the Treaty is Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only. Currently, the treaty has 50 signatory parties. They further agree that Antarctica should remain a peaceful, free and demilitarized③ place. With peculiar④ natural scenery and rare animals, the only word that can describe Antarctica is: epic! I do believe a journey to Antarctica is truly a once-in-a-lifetime⑤ experience. 1. elevation 海拔 2. Antarctic Treaty 《南极条约》 3. demilitarized 非军事化的，非武装的 4. peculiar 独特的，罕见的 5. once-in-a-lifetime 一生一次的