[Article déjà publié en janvier 2024]
White desert expanses, piercing cold, polar winds, and no human presence on the horizon… These places seem almost fantastic, but they are indeed on our planet, representing the coldest regions on the globe. .
Antarctica or the ice continent
It is hardly surprising that the frigid areas on the planet are located in Antarctica. The eastern plateau of this continent, with an area comparable to that of Australia, is a striking example with temperatures that can drop to -94°C.
The Vostok station, located at the South Pole of Antarctica, also experiences extreme climatic conditions. In July 1983, readings there indicated a temperature of -89.2°C.
Siberia, the region of extreme cold
Oymyakon's fame in Siberia is based on its status as the coldest permanently inhabited place on the planet! Residents should dress warmly as temperatures can drop as low as -67.7°C. Around 500 people live there, adjusting their daily lives to the harsh climate. For example, children do not attend school when the thermometer reads -55°C.
Also in Siberia, the city of Yakutsk sits on permafrost. Summers are brief but scorching, with temperatures reaching 38°C. However, winters are extremely cold, with temperatures dropping as low as -64.4°C.
Alaska, the Great American North
Prospect Creek is a village established in the 1970s to house oil pipeline workers. In January 1971, a freezing temperature of -62.1°C was recorded there.
In Alaska, we also find Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), the highest peak in North America, reaching over 6,000 meters. Mountaineers must face an average temperature of -10°C. Between 1950 and 1969, weather stations recorded a temperature of -73°C there.
Impressed by these negative temperatures? However, this is nothing compared to the coldest point in the universe!
On Earth, we are trying by all means to reach a temperature so negative that nothing would be able to move. This is absolute zero. Expressed in kelvin, therefore 0 K, it is equivalent to a temperature of -273.14°C. This is even colder than the vacuum of space itself, which has been measured at -270°C. On Earth, this temperature, as you can imagine, is the result of scientific work, this extreme cold is therefore artificial.
Sources: New Scientist
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
