The formation of Antarctica, the history of its discovery and research methods, the structure of the ice continent, the operating conditions of Soviet and foreign scientific stations, expeditions deep into the continent, the animal world of Antarctica and the inhabitants of the ocean waters are told in a popular and fascinating manner. Examples of international cooperation in Antarctica are given under the program of the International Geophysical Year, the International Polar Year, etc., as well as mutual assistance in extreme situations.

For a wide range of readers of different ages and professions.