Coldest temperatures recorded on earth
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Coldest Temperatures Recorded on Earth: Key Locations and Records
Antarctica: The Coldest Place on Earth
Antarctica holds the record for the coldest temperatures ever measured on Earth. The lowest reliably recorded air temperature is -87.4°C (-125.3°F), observed at Vostok Station on August 25, 1958. This broke previous records set at the South Pole and other Antarctic stations during the International Geophysical Year, with earlier minima such as -74.5°C (-102.1°F) at the South Pole in 1957 and -67.7°C (-89.9°F) at Oymyakon, Siberia, in 1933 being surpassed by Antarctic measurements 921. Satellite data has also identified even lower surface temperatures in Antarctica, with a record of -110.9°C detected by remote sensing, highlighting the extreme cold of the East Antarctic Plateau 73.
Other Extremely Cold Regions: Siberia, Greenland, and North America
Northeastern Siberia, particularly Oymyakon and Verkhoyansk, has long been recognized for its extreme cold, with air temperatures reaching as low as -67.7°C (-89.9°F) and possibly -69.8°C (-93.7°F) based on historical records 102. Greenland has also experienced severe cold, with a recorded minimum of -66°C (-87°F) at the French central station in 1950 . In North America, the coldest temperature was recorded at Snag, Yukon Territory, at -62.7°C (-81°F) in 1947 .
Measurement Methods and Considerations
Standard meteorological surface temperature measurements are taken two meters above the ground, away from artificial heat sources, to ensure accuracy and comparability. Reliable, standardized records have been available for about 100–150 years, and most extreme cold records are based on these methods . Satellite observations have expanded our understanding, revealing even colder surface temperatures than those measured by ground stations, especially in remote Antarctic regions .
Record-Low Temperatures in the Atmosphere and Clouds
While surface temperatures are the primary focus for record lows, satellite instruments have also detected extremely low temperatures in the upper atmosphere. For example, a temperature of -111.2°C was measured in the cloud tops of a severe convective storm over the tropical West Pacific, representing the coldest cloud-top temperature recorded by satellite . However, these are not surface air temperatures and are not directly comparable to ground-based records.
Conclusion
The coldest temperatures ever recorded on Earth have been measured in Antarctica, with Vostok Station holding the world record for the lowest air temperature at -87.4°C. Other regions known for extreme cold include northeastern Siberia, Greenland, and parts of northern Canada. Advances in satellite technology have revealed even lower surface temperatures in Antarctica, emphasizing the continent's status as the coldest place on the planet 1237910.
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