Definition: Antarctica is a continent located in the Southern Hemisphere, opposite South America on its southern coast. Definition: The northernmost point of land in the world, Antarctica consists of an ice-covered, landmass in the Southern Ocean stretching from 60°S to 90°S latitude and 42°W to 180°E longitude. It is surrounded by the South Pole to the north, the Indian Plate to the east, the Antarctic Peninsula to the west, and the South Shetland Islands and Heard Island off its south pole. The continent's highest peak is Mount Everest (8,848 meters, about 29,031 feet).