Antarctica is located around the South Pole and has unique geography and climate. It has the lowest recorded temperatures on Earth at -70° Celsius with wind speeds up to 300 km/h. Antarctica contains 90% of the world's ice and is the major fresh water reserve. About 99% of the continent is covered by ice that averages 2,500 meters thick and reaches depths of over 4,776 meters, enough to raise global ocean levels by 70 meters if it melted. Antarctica plays an important role in regulating ocean currents and the world's climate, making it vulnerable to global environmental impacts. Despite harsh conditions, Antarctica supports diverse animal life well-adapted to the environment.