Editing Antarctica (section)

=== Antarctica  As a Continent ===
Antarctica is one of the seven continents of the Earth, and ih holds a very special position because it is located entirely in the '''Southern Hemisphere''', surrounding the '''South Pole'''. Geographically, the continent lies mostly south of '''60 degrees''' south latitude, making it the southernmost landmass on the planet. It is bounded by the '''Southern Ocean''', which separates it from the other continents. With an area of about '''14 million square kilometers''', Antarctica is the '''fourth-largest continent''', larger than both Europe and Australia. Almost the entire surface of the continent is covered with thick sheets of ice that can reach up to '''three kilometers''' deep in some regions. These ice sheets contain most of the planet’s fresh water. Beneath the ice, there are mountains, valleys, and even ancient lakes, such as '''Lake Vostok''', hidden under several kilometers of ice. Antarctica is divided into two main regions '''East Antarctica''' and '''West Antarctica'''  separated by the '''Transantarctic Mountains'''. East Antarctica is larger, colder, and higher in elevation, while West Antarctica is smaller and known for its ice shelves and the possibility of ice melting due to climate change. Unlike other continents, Antarctica has '''no permanent human population'''. There are no cities, towns, or villages. However, scientists from many countries live and work there temporarily in '''research stations''' to study topics such as climate change, glaciology, astronomy, and the effects of global warming. Politically, Antarctica is unique because no single country owns it. Instead, it is governed by the '''Antarctic Treaty''', signed in 1959, which designates the continent as a zone for '''peaceful scientific research''' and prohibits any military activity or resource exploitation. In terms of location and environment, Antarctica plays a crucial role in maintaining Earth’s balance. Its massive ice sheets reflect sunlight, helping to regulate the planet’s temperature. The cold air and ocean currents originating from this region also influence global weather patterns. In summary, Antarctica is not just another continent  it is a vast, icy wilderness at the bottom of the world, vital for understanding our planet’s past, present, and future.