Last Updated on September 4, 2023
The Sahara Desert and Antarctica are two of the most iconic and extreme landscapes on Earth, representing vastly different environments and holding unique significance in terms of geography, climate, and human understanding.
While one is a scorching desert known for its blazing temperatures and shifting sands, the other is an ice-covered continent characterized by frigid temperatures and breathtaking expanses of ice.
Let’s explore the distinct features and contrasts of these two extreme regions.
| Feature | Sahara | Antarctica |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Northern Africa | Southernmost continent |
| Size | 9.2 million square kilometers (3.5 million square miles) | 14.2 million square kilometers (5.5 million square miles) |
| Climate | Hot and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius (77 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summer and 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit) in the winter. | Cold and dry, with average temperatures ranging from -20 to -80 degrees Celsius (-4 to -112 degrees Fahrenheit). |
| Vegetation | Sparse, with only a few plants able to survive the harsh conditions. | Almost no vegetation, due to the extreme cold. |
| Wildlife | Animals that are adapted to the desert, such as camels, snakes, and lizards. | Animals that are adapted to the cold, such as penguins, seals, and whales. |
| Human activity | Limited, due to the harsh conditions. Some human activity occurs in oases and along the edges of the desert. | Very limited, due to the extreme cold. Some human activity occurs at research stations and in coastal areas. |
Geographical Differences
The Sahara is the world’s largest hot desert, stretching across North Africa from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea.
It covers an area of approximately 9.2 million square kilometers, making it roughly comparable in size to the entire continent of Europe.
The desert is characterized by its vast sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and arid landscapes.
Antarctica, on the other hand, is the southernmost continent and is located entirely within the Antarctic Circle, and is in fact larger than the Sahara.
It is the fifth-largest continent, covering an area of about 14 million square kilometers.
Unlike the Sahara, Antarctica is covered by a massive ice sheet that contains around 60% of the world’s fresh water.
Climate Contrasts
During the day, temperatures can soar well above 40°C (104°F), and the heat is exacerbated by the lack of vegetation and the reflective properties of the desert’s sands.
However, nights can be surprisingly cold due to the lack of moisture to retain heat.
Antarctica, in contrast, is the coldest place on Earth. The lowest temperature ever recorded on the planet was -89.2°C (-128.6°F) at a research station on the continent.
The coastal areas are relatively milder, with average temperatures ranging from about -10°C to -60°C (14°F to -76°F) depending on the season.
Unique Life Forms
Despite its harsh conditions, the Sahara is home to a variety of plant and animal species adapted to the desert environment.
This includes camels, desert foxes, scorpions, and drought-resistant plants like cacti and acacias.
Many of these organisms have developed specialized adaptations to cope with the extreme heat and limited water.
Life in Antarctica is primarily found in the surrounding ocean, where krill, seals, and whales thrive.
On land, the environment is incredibly challenging, and only a few species of plants and animals have managed to adapt to the conditions.
These include mosses, lichens, penguins, and seabirds. The Southern Ocean is rich in marine life, with complex food chains supporting a unique ecosystem.
Human Settlements
Despite its challenges, the Sahara has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years.
Various civilizations, such as the ancient Egyptians, Berbers, and Tuaregs, have made the desert their home.
In recent times, there are settlements and oases scattered throughout the region, and tourism has grown around activities like desert safaris.
Antarctica has no permanent human population and is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System, which designates the continent as a scientific preserve for research purposes.
Numerous research stations are operated by different countries, with scientists studying climate change, ecosystems, and more.
Strict environmental protocols are in place to minimize human impact and preserve the delicate ecosystem.
Antarctica vs Sahara FAQs
Is Antarctica bigger than Sahara?
Yes, Antarctica is bigger than the Sahara Desert. Antarctica is the fifth-largest continent, covering an area of about 14 million square kilometers. The Sahara Desert is the world’s largest hot desert, covering an area of approximately 9.2 million square kilometers. This means that Antarctica is almost twice the size of the Sahara.
Which is drier Sahara or Antarctica?
Antarctica is drier than the Sahara Desert. The Sahara Desert receives an average of 100 millimeters of precipitation per year, while Antarctica receives an average of 200 millimeters of precipitation per year. However, the precipitation in Antarctica is almost entirely in the form of snow, which does not evaporate as quickly as water. This means that the Sahara is more arid than Antarctica, even though Antarctica receives more precipitation.
Is Antarctica a desert?
Yes, Antarctica is a desert. A desert is defined as an area that receives less than 250 millimeters of precipitation per year. Antarctica receives an average of 200 millimeters of precipitation per year, which means that it meets the definition of a desert. However, Antarctica is a cold desert, unlike the hot deserts like the Sahara.
Which desert is most dangerous, Antarctica or Sahara?
Both Antarctica and the Sahara are amongst the most dangerous deserts in the world.
In terms of survival, Antarctica is more dangerous than the Sahara. The biggest dangers in the Sahara are heatstroke, dehydration, and sandstorms.
However, these dangers can be mitigated by taking precautions such as drinking plenty of water, wearing sunscreen, and staying informed about the weather.
That said, the Sahara has additional dangers in the form of human criminal activity, human trafficking, and terrorist attacks.
Antarctica is a more dangerous environment because of the extreme cold, the lack of sunlight, and the presence of wildlife that can be aggressive.
The average temperature in Antarctica is -57°C (-70°F), and the cold can cause frostbite and hypothermia.
Several deadly accidents have occurred in history involving aircraft trying to fly into Antarctica during adverse weather, which is why these days the preferred means of transport is via cruise.
Read also: Cold deserts: what they are and where can you find them
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