Antarctic oasis [SEP] continent
Antarctic oasis
An Antarctic oasis is a large area naturally free of snow and ice in the otherwise ice-covered continent of Antarctica.
Geology.
In Antarctica there are, in addition to mountain tops and nunataks, other natural snow- and ice-free areas often referred to as "Antarctic oasis" or "dry valleys". These areas are surrounded by the Antarctic ice sheet or in coastal areas situated between the ice sheet and the Antarctic ice shelves.
Antarctic oases and dry valleys develop in areas with particular
350 hours of sunshine per month.
Because of the positive radiation balance, the Schirmacher Oasis is regionally classified as a "coastal climate zone".
Flora and fauna.
The rocky soil at the Oasis allows growth only for a limited amount of undemanding plants like mosses and lichens.
Animals are also rare at the Oasis. Exceptions are the Antarctic skua, the Antarctic petrel, the snow petrel, and the Wilson's storm petrel. Occasionally, Adélie penguins can be seen at the oasis.
History.