Antarctica has been an isolated continent for millions of years. The isolation of Antarctica can be attributed to various geological and geographical factors. Here are the details:

Drifting of Continents

Around 200 million years ago, all the continents we know today were part of a supercontinent called Pangaea. Over time, the continents started drifting apart, and Antarctica began moving southward. About 35 million years ago, Antarctica started drifting away from South America, Australia, and New Zealand and started moving towards the South Pole.

Formation of the Circumpolar Current

Around 25 million years ago, the circumpolar current formed, which is a powerful ocean current that circles around Antarctica. This current isolated Antarctica by preventing warm ocean currents from reaching the continent. As a result, the temperature of the ocean surrounding Antarctica dropped significantly, and the continent became covered in ice.

Glaciation

Antarctica has been covered in ice for millions of years. The ice sheet on Antarctica is around 2.7 miles thick in some places and contains around 90% of the world's ice. The ice sheet has isolated Antarctica by making it difficult for any life to survive there. Moreover, the ice sheet has made it challenging for humans to reach Antarctica, which has helped maintain the continent's isolation.

Conclusion

Antarctica has been an isolated continent due to various geological and geographical factors. The drifting of continents, formation of the circumpolar current, and glaciation have all contributed to the continent's isolation. Today, Antarctica remains one of the most isolated and hostile places on earth, with only a few researchers and scientists living there.

Due to intense cold in Antarctic no life is possible that's why it is such a isolated continent.