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The coldest place on the surface of the Earth broke its own record.
It turns out that the small valleys above the Antarctic ice cap recorded temperatures of -98 ° C, five degrees lower than the estimate so far, according to one study published in the scientific journal Geophysical Research Letters.
Scientists announced in 2013 the discovery of the site with the lowest temperatures on Earth, thanks to the launch of several satellites observing the planet.
This was from several points of the Eastern Antarctic Plateau a region where snow is abundant and where one also finds the South Pole and where temperatures of -93 ° C were recorded .
Factors such as the presence of very dry winds are necessary to record colder temperatures. / Getty Images But researchers have now used new data to conclude that the temperatures are even lower and that they are observed during the night of the South Pole, mainly in July and August.
How is this possible?
In the previous study, the experts explained the conditions necessary for the temperatures to drop drastically.
And they came to the conclusion that light winds and clear skies are not the only key factors; also play a crucial role extremely dry winds, which must be maintained for several days.
To arrive at the new findings, the experts observed small depressions or shallow holes in the Antarctic Ice Sheet, where cold, dense, and descending air accumulates at the surface and can stay there for several days.
This further cools the surface and air above, until clear, calm and dry conditions decompose and air mixes with warmer air in the air. l & # 39; atmosphere.
Experts are already developing new instruments to measure low temperatures, if they ever recorded them. Getty Images "In this area we see incredibly dry air periods, which allows the surface heat to radiate more easily into space," said Ted Scambos, lead author of the study.
The new record of -98 ° C could be beaten again if the necessary environmental conditions were kept constant for several weeks, although Scambos considers it very improbable. Indeed, the team of researchers is already working on the design of instruments that allow them to survive and work in even colder places, and to measure the temperatures of the air and the snow.
The experts expect these means of work to be ready for two years from now.
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