The Oymyakon Depression in Yakutia is often referred to as the world's "official" cold pole. During the winter months, air temperatures near the ground can drop to as low as −70°C. For many years, Oymyakon has been recognized as one of the coldest permanently inhabited places on Earth, earning it the title of the "Cold Pole of the Northern Hemisphere."
However, modern meteorological observations show that Oymyakon is not the only location holding this distinction. In the Northern Hemisphere, it has a serious competitor. Measurements taken in several deep depressions within Greenland's vast ice sheet have repeatedly recorded similarly low temperatures. As a result, scientists believe that the concept of a "cold pole" cannot be limited to a single location.
The situation is even more remarkable in the Southern Hemisphere. Antarctica contains several regions where temperatures regularly fall below −70°C. Satellite observations have revealed that, under certain conditions, the elevated ice plateaus of the continent become even colder. In one deep depression between icy ridges, temperatures as low as −80°C have been recorded. Such extreme values, however, occur only during powerful katabatic winds and under very specific atmospheric conditions.
Interestingly, scientists determine these temperatures not only through ground-based weather stations but also with the help of advanced satellite technology. Satellite measurements have made it possible to record record-breaking low temperatures in remote ice plateaus that were once considered inaccessible for direct observation.
One of the primary reasons cold poles form is their geographical location. The Sun's rays strike polar regions at a very low angle, preventing the surface from warming efficiently. In addition, snow and ice reflect a large portion of incoming solar radiation back into space. This phenomenon, known as the albedo effect, plays a major role in keeping polar regions extremely cold.
Another important factor is the polar night, which lasts for weeks or even months during winter. Throughout this period, the Sun never rises above the horizon, and the Earth's surface continuously loses heat without receiving solar energy. Consequently, air temperatures plunge to record-breaking lows.
In settlements such as Oymyakon, people have learned to adapt to these harsh conditions. During winter, vehicles are often left running continuously because restarting frozen engines can be extremely difficult. Water pipelines are installed above ground inside specially insulated conduits, as the soil remains permanently frozen throughout the year. Schools usually close only when temperatures fall below approximately −52°C to −55°C.
Antarctica, by contrast, has no permanent civilian population. Only scientific research stations operated by various countries remain active throughout the year. Scientists study the continent's massive ice sheets to uncover information about Earth's climate thousands of years ago and to better understand the effects of modern climate change.
Experts believe that future advances in satellite technology may reveal even colder locations on Earth that have not yet been discovered. If that happens, the definition of the world's "cold pole" may once again need to be reconsidered.
Therefore, the question "How many cold poles are there in the world?" cannot simply be answered with "one." Although Oymyakon has long been regarded as the most famous cold pole, Greenland's glacial depressions and Antarctica's elevated ice plateaus also experience some of the lowest temperatures ever recorded on Earth. In other words, our planet has multiple cold poles, depending on the criteria used, and each of them serves as a unique natural laboratory showcasing some of the most extreme climatic conditions found anywhere on Earth.