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Argentine Antarctica facts for kids

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Argentine Antarctica

Antártida Argentina
Argentine Antarctica map since 1950, the Orcadas base are from 1904.
Argentine Antarctica map since 1950, the Orcadas base are from 1904.
Flag of Argentine Antarctica
Flag
Coat of arms of Argentine Antarctica
Coat of arms
Location in Antarctica
Location in Antarctica
Country Argentina
Province Tierra del Fuego Province
Founded by José María Sobral
Area
 • Total 965,597 km2 (372,819 sq mi)
Population
 • Total 300
 • Density 0.00031/km2 (0.00080/sq mi)

Argentine Antarctica is a part of Antarctica that Argentina says is its own land. This area is also claimed by the United Kingdom and Chile. It is like a special department of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego Province.

Argentina began exploring Antarctica in the early 1900s. José María Sobral was the first Argentine to step onto the continent in 1901. He stayed there for two seasons with a Swedish expedition. In 1904, the Orcadas Base started operating fully. Over the years, more bases were built. The first Argentine team to reach the South Pole was during an event called Operación 90 in 1965.

The `Instituto Antartico Argentino` helps manage all of Argentina's activities in Antarctica. According to a census in October 2010, about 230 people lived in the six permanent bases during winter.

Exploring Argentine Antarctica

The Land and Climate

The land in Argentine Antarctica shares some features with Patagonia, a region in South America. The tallest mountains are found in the southern part of the Antarctic Peninsula. Most of the land is covered by a thick layer of ice sheet.

The weather here is a polar climate. This means it's very cold, with strong winds, lots of snow, and thick clouds. It's a harsh but amazing place!

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Antártida Argentina para niños

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