Final answer:
The statement that the Arctic is a large landmass surrounded by a cold ocean is not true; the Arctic is an ocean surrounded by land, whereas Antarctica is a large landmass surrounded by the Southern Ocean. The correct answer is option D.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that is not true is D. The Arctic is not a large landmass surrounded by a cold ocean; instead, the Arctic is an ocean surrounded by landmasses. This is the opposite of Antarctica, which is a large landmass surrounded by the Southern Ocean.
The other statements are indeed true. Antarctica is extremely cold and mostly covered by an ice sheet. About 70 percent of the earth's fresh water is held within this ice. It is also considered a desert due to its low precipitation levels. The impact of global warming and climate change on polar regions is a significant concern, especially in relation to the potential melting of the Antarctic ice sheet, which would raise global sea levels significantly.
Antarctica's physical layout includes vast areas covered by ice sheets, ice shelves, and the presence of mountain ranges like the Trans-Antarctic Mountains. Politically, it's subject to international agreements which govern the activity and territorial claims on the continent. The ozone layer above Antarctica is also a topic of importance due to the seasonal depletion that occurs.