But there are regions where the southernmost continent is free of ice cover.
Their areas range from several dozen to several thousand square kilometers.
Here are some of the most notable Antarctic oases.
McMurdo Dry Valleys
McMurdo Dry Valleys.
Photo:Miers Valley/Cool Antarctica
Wall Valley, Antarctica.
Photo:Nemadude/Wikimedia
Despite being an oasis, the McMurdo Dry Valleys is essentially a desert.
The McMurdo Dry Valleys contain several extremely saline lakes and a few meltwater rivers.
Cape Hallett
Mount Herschel in the Admiralty Mountains as seen from Cape Hallett.
Schirmacher Oasis
Research stations at Schirmacher Oasis.
It contains over 100 freshwater lakes.
The relatively warmer temperature allows certain types of mosses and lichens to grow.
Occasionally, Adelie penguins can be seen at the oasis.
