What is the coldest temperature ever recorded on earth
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Coldest Temperature Ever Recorded on Earth
Record-Breaking Cold Temperatures in Antarctica
Vostok Station: Historical Low
The coldest temperature ever recorded at a weather station on Earth was -89°C (-128°F) at Russia’s Vostok Station in Antarctica in 19831. This record stood for decades as the benchmark for extreme cold on our planet.
Satellite Measurements: New Lows
In 2013, researchers using satellite data discovered even colder temperatures than those recorded at Vostok Station. They measured a temperature of -93°C (-135°F) on the East Antarctic Plateau1. This finding was later surpassed by updated satellite data from NOAA’s Polar Operational Environmental Satellites and NASA’s Terra and Aqua satellites, which recorded temperatures as low as -97.8°C (-144°F) during the southern polar night, primarily in July and August1.
Conditions for Extreme Cold
The extreme cold in Antarctica is facilitated by specific conditions: a complete lack of sunlight, clear skies, very little wind, and extremely dry air. The dry air is crucial because water vapor retains heat, and its absence allows heat to radiate away from the surface more effectively1. The coldest temperatures were found in small basins on the southern side of high ridges, where the dense, cold air sinks and becomes trapped, further cooling the surface and surrounding air1.
Global Context of Cold Extremes
Antarctica: The Coldest Place
Antarctica remains the coldest place on Earth, with the lowest temperatures recorded on the East Antarctic Plateau. The region's unique geographical and meteorological conditions make it the prime location for such extreme cold1 2.
Greenland and Other Cold Regions
While Antarctica holds the record for the lowest temperatures, other regions also experience extreme cold. For instance, the lowest temperature recorded on the Greenland ice sheet was -66°C (-87°F) in 19503. Northeastern Siberia, Greenland, and Canada are also known for their extremely low temperatures, although they do not reach the extremes observed in Antarctica4.
Conclusion
The coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth is -97.8°C (-144°F), measured on the East Antarctic Plateau using satellite data. This surpasses the previous record of -89°C (-128°F) at Vostok Station. The extreme cold in Antarctica is due to a combination of geographical features and specific weather conditions, including clear skies, low wind, and extremely dry air. These findings highlight the unique and harsh climate of Antarctica, making it the coldest place on Earth.
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News and Notes
The East Antarctic Plateau has experienced temperatures as low as -97.8°C (–144°F) during the southern polar night, with extreme dry air and clear skies being key factors in maintaining these temperatures.
Global Patterns of Hottest, Coldest and Extreme Diurnal Variability on Earth
The world's highest land surface temperature of 80.8°C, the coldest place on Earth, and the highest diurnal temperature range of 81.8°C are found in deserts and xeric shrublands, with strong latitudinal patterns.
The Lowest Temperatures Recorded in Antarctica and Greenland
The lowest temperature recorded in Antarctica was -61° C. (-78° F.) on 21 and 22 July 1934, while the coldest day in Greenland was -63-3° C. (-82° F.), with a mean of -63-3° C. (-82° F.
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