Coldest temperature on earth
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Coldest Temperature on Earth: Insights from Recent Research
Antarctica: The Coldest Place on Earth
Record Low Temperatures in Antarctica
Antarctica holds the record for the coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth. The lowest temperature, -110.9°C, was observed in this icy continent, making it the coldest place on the planet1. This extreme cold is primarily due to the continent's high elevation and its location at the South Pole, where sunlight is minimal during the winter months.
Satellite Observations and New Findings
Recent studies using satellite data have provided even more detailed insights into the coldest temperatures in Antarctica. Researchers have identified areas near the East Antarctic ice divide where surface snow temperatures drop below -90°C during winter under clear-sky conditions. The lowest temperatures, around -98°C, were found in small topographic basins at elevations above 3,800 meters9. These findings were corroborated by satellite thermal infrared mapping, which showed that these ultralow temperatures are associated with strong polar vortex circulation and extreme radiative surface cooling9.
Factors Contributing to Extreme Cold
The extreme cold in Antarctica is influenced by several factors. Clear skies, very little wind, and extremely dry air are essential conditions for the temperatures to plummet to such low levels. The dry air allows heat from the surface of the snow to radiate into space more efficiently, leading to further cooling4. Additionally, the cold air, being denser, sinks into small basins, trapping the cold and causing the temperatures to drop even further4.
Historical Context and Global Comparisons
Historical Temperature Records
Historically, the South Polar Plateau, northeastern Siberia, Greenland, and Canada have been known for their extremely low temperatures. However, Antarctica surpasses these regions with its record low temperatures2. The Vostok Station in Antarctica previously held the record for the lowest air temperature at -89°C, recorded in 19834.
Global Patterns of Cold Extremes
Globally, the coldest temperatures are observed in polar regions, with Antarctica being the coldest. The spatial patterns of cold extremes show strong latitudinal variations, with the coldest temperatures occurring in the tundra and polar ice caps1. These patterns highlight the significant differences in temperature extremes faced by various biomes around the world.
Conclusion
Antarctica remains the coldest place on Earth, with record low temperatures reaching as low as -110.9°C. Recent satellite data have provided more detailed insights, identifying specific areas where temperatures drop below -90°C. The extreme cold in Antarctica is influenced by a combination of high elevation, minimal sunlight, clear skies, very little wind, and extremely dry air. These findings underscore the unique and harsh climatic conditions of the Antarctic region, making it the coldest place on our planet.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Global Patterns of Hottest, Coldest and Extreme Diurnal Variability on Earth
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ON THE LOWEST TEMPERATURES ON EARTH
The South Polar Plateau, northeastern Siberia, Greenland, and Canada have the lowest air temperatures on Earth, as determined by proper documentation and geographical analysis.
Coping with Our Cold Planet
Cold is also prevalent in the atmosphere, with 90% of the Earth's surface experiencing temperatures below 5°C.
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