Map of Antarctica – Regions, Ice Shelves & Polar Guide

This map of Antarctica provides a detailed overview of Earth’s southernmost continent, including polar regions, ice shelves, research stations and surrounding Southern Ocean geography.

Antarctica is known for vast ice sheets, extreme cold, glaciers, polar research stations, wildlife and some of the most remote landscapes on Earth.

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Where Is Antarctica Located?

Antarctica is located around the South Pole and is surrounded by the Southern Ocean.

• North: Southern Ocean and subantarctic islands
• South: South Pole interior region
• East: Eastern Antarctica and polar ice regions
• West: Antarctic Peninsula and western ice shelves

Main Regions of Antarctica

• East Antarctica — largest and coldest continental region
• West Antarctica — glacier and ice shelf region
• Antarctic Peninsula — northern extension toward South America
• Ross Ice Shelf — one of the world’s largest ice shelves
• Ronne Ice Shelf — major western Antarctic ice region
• Transantarctic Mountains — divide East and West Antarctica
• South Pole region — central polar plateau
• Coastal research regions — home to scientific stations and seasonal operations

Major Research Stations and Polar Areas

• McMurdo Station — major United States Antarctic base
• Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station — research station at the South Pole
• Casey Station — Australian Antarctic research station
• Davis Station — Australian Antarctic coastal base
• Mawson Station — long-running Australian Antarctic station
• Palmer Station — Antarctic Peninsula research base
• King George Island — major Antarctic research hub region

Key Geographic Features

• Massive ice sheets — cover most of the continent
• Glaciers and ice shelves — extend into surrounding ocean waters
• Extreme polar climate — among the coldest conditions on Earth
• Mountain ranges and polar plateaus — shape the Antarctic interior
• Southern Ocean ecosystems — support penguins, seals and marine wildlife

Antarctica Transport and Travel Overview

• Research vessel routes — connect Antarctic stations and supply bases
• Icebreaker operations — support polar logistics and research
• Scientific air transport — used for personnel and supplies
• Expedition cruise routes — commonly depart from South America
• Seasonal research operations — concentrated during Antarctic summer months

Why People Search for a Map of Antarctica

• To understand Antarctic geography and polar regions
• To locate the South Pole and research stations
• To study glaciers, ice shelves and climate systems
• To explore expedition and research areas
• To learn about Earth’s southernmost continent

Antarctica Map Resources

• OpenStreetMap – Antarctica
• Google Maps – Antarctica
• British Antarctic Survey

Related Maps & Location Guides

• Map of the Arctic Ocean
• Map of the Pacific Ocean
• Map of the World
• Map of Australia
• Map of South America

Antarctica Map FAQs

• Where is Antarctica located?
  Antarctica surrounds the South Pole at the southern end of Earth.
• What is Antarctica known for?
  Antarctica is known for ice sheets, glaciers, polar climates and scientific research stations.
• Does anyone live in Antarctica?
  There is no permanent population, but scientists and support staff work at research stations.
• Can tourists visit Antarctica?
  Yes, expedition cruises and guided tours visit parts of Antarctica during certain seasons.

This page is for general informational purposes only and is not affiliated with any government authority, scientific institution, Antarctic program or mapping provider.

Disclaimer: Maps are provided for reference only and may not be accurate, complete, current, to scale or suitable for navigation, expedition planning or official purposes. Ice conditions, research operations, routes, weather conditions and geographic information may vary between sources and may change over time. Always verify official expedition and scientific information before travel or polar activities.