Which Continent Is Covered with 98% Ice?

Question

Which continent is covered with about 98% ice?

A. Asia
B. Antarctica
C. Europe
D. Africa

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Correct Answer

Answer: B – Antarctica

Antarctica is the continent covered by about 98% ice. It is located around the South Pole and is the coldest continent on Earth.

Let's Understand

Antarctica is a large continent at the southernmost part of our planet. It is almost completely covered by a thick layer of ice called an ice sheet.

An ice sheet is a huge mass of ice that covers a large area of land. It forms when snow falls and builds up over thousands of years. The weight of the snow presses the older layers together, gradually turning them into ice.

Antarctica receives very little warmth from the Sun. Even during summer, much of the continent remains extremely cold. This is why the snow and ice stay frozen for long periods.

About 98% of Antarctica's land surface is covered by ice. The remaining exposed areas include some rocky mountains and other patches of land.

Antarctica is also important because its ice stores a huge amount of the world's fresh water.

A Simple Example

Imagine placing a white blanket over almost your entire bed, leaving only a few small patches uncovered.

Antarctica is similar. Its enormous ice sheet covers nearly all the land, while only a small part remains exposed.

If you look at a world map, you can find Antarctica at the bottom, surrounding the South Pole.

What About the Other Answers?

Option	Answer	Explanation
A	Incorrect – Asia	Asia is the largest continent and has snowy mountains, but most of its land is not covered by ice.
B	Correct – Antarctica	About 98% of Antarctica's land surface is covered by ice.
C	Incorrect – Europe	Europe has cold regions and snowy mountains, but most of its land is ice-free.
D	Incorrect – Africa	Africa is known for its warm climates, deserts, grasslands, and tropical forests. Most of its land is not covered by ice.

Did You Know?

1. The coldest continent: Antarctica is the coldest continent on Earth. Temperatures in its interior can fall below -60°C during winter.

2. A giant store of fresh water: Antarctica's ice contains about 70% of Earth's fresh water.

3. A continent without permanent residents: Antarctica has no permanent native population. Scientists and support workers live at research stations for limited periods.

4. Penguin home: Several penguin species live in Antarctica. However, polar bears do not live there; they are found naturally in the Arctic region.

   

Think About It

If most of Antarctica is covered by ice, what might happen to sea levels around the world if a large amount of its land ice melted?

Quick Recap

What We Learned	Simple Explanation
Continent covered by about 98% ice	Antarctica
Location	Around the South Pole
Main feature	A thick ice sheet covers almost all its land.
Importance	Its ice stores a huge amount of Earth's fresh water.