Trooday
A broad snow-covered Antarctic plateau beneath a clear sky.
Environment

Is Antarctica a desert despite its ice and snow?

Published

Verdict
True
Verification confidenceHigh

Explanation

Yes. Antarctica is classified as a polar desert because it receives very little precipitation, especially in its interior. A desert does not have to be hot or covered in sand.

NASA explains that Antarctica's limited snowfall can accumulate over long periods to form thick ice sheets. The British Antarctic Survey describes a strong contrast between the relatively snowy coast and the much drier interior.

The amount of ice already on the ground is different from the amount of precipitation arriving each year. Calling Antarctica a desert does not mean it never snows or that every part of the continent is equally dry.

Key takeaway

Low precipitation makes Antarctica a polar desert. Extensive ice cover and a dry climate can coexist.

Evidence

NASA links desert classification to low precipitation

NASA

Supports the claim

NASA identifies Antarctica as a desert because it receives little rain or snow and explains how snowfall accumulating over long periods produces thick ice sheets.

Based on: NASA

Antarctica's interior is much drier than its coast

British Antarctic Survey

Supports the claim

The British Antarctic Survey describes low snowfall in the interior as the reason much of Antarctica qualifies as desert, while noting substantially higher snowfall near the coast.

Based on: British Antarctic Survey

Sources

NASA

Frequently Asked Questions About Antarctica

British Antarctic Survey

Snow in Antarctica

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