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Antarctica is the fifth largest and southernmost
continent. Its position at the South Pole, together with
its elevation and ice-and-snow cover, generates the
coldest climate on Earth. Its enormous ice sheet covers
all but 2 to 3 percent of Antarctica and extends over
the encircling ocean.
Most of the continent lies within the Antarctic
Circle and is completely isolated by the Antarctic
Ocean. The South Shetland Islands adjoin the Antarctic
Peninsula. Other islands in the Antarctic region, but
removed from the continent itself, include South
Georgia, South Sandwich, South Orkney, Bouvet, Heard,
Balleny, Scott, and Peter. Because seasonal or perennial
sea ice is found along all coasts, protected harbours
are available to ships only during a few Antarctic
summer months (Nov-Feb).
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