Have questions about Antarctica? Email us at frosty@seattle-pi.com and we'll try to find the answers.

How big is Antarctica?

An ice sheet covers all but 2.4 percent of Antarctica's 5.4 million square miles (14 million square kilometers). At its thickest point the ice sheet is nearly 3 miles deep. It averages 1.34 miles thick (2,160 meters), making Antarctica the highest continent. This ice comprises 90 percent of all the world's ice, and it is 70 percent of all the world's fresh water.

Are there any polar bears in Antarctica? How about penguins?

This famous member of the bear family cannot be found anywhere in the Antarctic region. The polar bear only lives in polar regions of the Northern Hemisphere. This includes Russia, Norway, Greenland, Canada and Alaska.

Four species of penguins breed on the Antarctic continent: Adelie, Emporer, Chinstrap and Gentoo. The Chinstrap penguins are by far the most numerous creatures in the region. Other species of penguins, including the Rockhopper, Macarona and King, can sometimes be found in the warmer regions to the north.

What other wildlife can be found near Antarctica?

A variety of seals, whales and birds can be found in the region. For a complete list of species, visit the Virtual Antarctica Guidebook.

How cold is it in Antarctica?