The largest desert in the world is Antarctica, classified as a cold desert. Covering an area of about 14 million square kilometers (5.5 million square miles), it is characterized by its dry conditions, low precipitation, and extreme cold. While many associate deserts with heat and sand, Antarctic conditions include ice and snow, with temperatures that can plummet to minus 80 degrees Celsius (minus 112 degrees Fahrenheit). This unique ecosystem hosts a variety of wildlife, including penguins and seals, and plays a crucial role in the global climate system. Its vast icy expanses significantly influence sea levels and ocean currents.