Science Illustrated

How Big is the Geographic South Pole?

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Theoretica­lly, the geographic South Pole is a single point, but in practice, the South Pole is quite a bit larger due to the limited accuracy with which its position can be determined. Now, GPS is scientists' best tool, but even with a high-quality receiver, the margin of uncertaint­y is at least 200 cm. Today, the geographic South Pole is located 2,835 m above sea level at the centre of the Antarctic ice sheet, near the US Amundsen-Scott research station. The ice of the location is moving west at a speed of about 10 m/year, so the sign and the flagstaff marking the South Pole must be moved every January, which is celebrated with a small ceremony.

 ??  ?? Flags and a sign mark the symbolic position of the geographic­al South Pole.
Flags and a sign mark the symbolic position of the geographic­al South Pole.

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