The name of the largest desert on Earth is the Antarctic Desert. Covering an area of about 14 million square kilometers (5.5 million square miles), it is classified as a cold desert due to its extremely low temperatures and minimal precipitation. Contrary to the common perception of a desert being sandy and hot, the Antarctic Desert is predominantly ice-covered, with vast expanses of ice sheets and glaciers. The climate is incredibly harsh, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing. Despite its conditions, the Antarctic Desert is home to unique ecosystems, including various species of penguins and seals adapted to its frigid environment.