POLE OF INACCESSIBILITY

point on the Antarctic continent that is farthest, in all directions, from the surrounding seas, lying on the Polar Plateau in a vast territory claimed by Australia. The site, at an elevation of 12,198 feet (3,718 m) above sea level, is occupied by a meteorological research station set up by the Soviet Union during the International Geophysical Year (195758). The term is also used occasionally in the Northern Hemisphere in conjunction with a point in the Arctic Ocean that is equidistant from the encircling landmasses; it lies 400 miles (640 km) from the North Pole in the direction of Alaska.