The continent that is entirely covered by permanent ice and snow is Antarctica.

Antarctica, located in the southern hemisphere, is the fifth-largest continent and is known for its extreme cold temperatures and vast ice sheets. It is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent on Earth, with temperatures dropping as low as -89.2 degrees Celsius (-128.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Here is an explanation of why Antarctica is entirely covered by permanent ice and snow:

Geographical Location:
Antarctica is situated at the Earth's South Pole and is surrounded by the Southern Ocean. Its location near the South Pole means that it receives very little sunlight, resulting in extremely low temperatures. The continent is also isolated from other landmasses, which further contributes to its unique climate.

Climate:
Antarctica has an ice cap climate, characterized by extremely cold temperatures and little precipitation. The continent is so cold that even during the summer months, the average temperature remains below freezing. The lack of sunlight and the presence of strong polar winds prevent the ice and snow from melting, leading to the accumulation of permanent ice and snow cover.

Ice Sheets and Glaciers:
Antarctica is home to the largest ice sheet on Earth, known as the Antarctic Ice Sheet. This massive ice sheet covers about 98% of the continent's land surface and has an average thickness of around 2.16 kilometers (1.34 miles). The ice sheet is formed by the accumulation and compaction of snow over thousands of years. It contains about 70% of the world's fresh water, locked up as ice.

There are also numerous glaciers in Antarctica, which are large bodies of ice that flow under their own weight. These glaciers contribute to the permanent ice and snow cover by constantly replenishing the ice sheet and maintaining its overall mass.

Effect of Global Warming:
While Antarctica is predominantly covered by permanent ice and snow, it is important to note that climate change is causing the ice to melt at an accelerating rate. Rising global temperatures have resulted in the thinning of ice shelves, increased ice calving, and the retreat of glaciers. This has significant implications for rising sea levels and the stability of the Antarctic ecosystem.

In conclusion, Antarctica is the continent that is entirely covered by permanent ice and snow. Its unique geographical location, extreme climate, and the presence of massive ice sheets and glaciers contribute to the permanent ice and snow cover. However, the effects of global warming pose a threat to the stability of Antarctica's ice and snow in the long run.