Last continent to which humans did divert;
Antarctica has highest elevation.
Frozen tundra limits its vegetation;
With slight precipitation—a cold desert.
Final Earth region sighted—1820;
98 percent covered by mile-thick ice.
Compared to Australia, its size nigh twice;
Subglacial lakes give it water aplenty.
Antarctic Treaty signed by 50 nations;
Protects ecozone of this land south polar.
During high summer, full days of light solar,
For thousands of people at research stations.
Despite harsh conditions, wildlife survives here.
Snow petrel, other birds have Antarctic home.
Fur seals, emperor penguins, other breeds roam;
One thousand-plus species of fungi appear.
Though it’s the fifth largest continent in size,
Antarctica leads in average wind speeds.
Controlling sea levels, serving other needs;
Keeping Antarctic ice shelves stable is wise.
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