Black Island (Ross Archipelago) facts for kids

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Black Island

Black Island and Skidoos at sunset
Black Island Location in Antarctica Location in Antarctica
Geography
Location	Antarctica
Coordinates	78°14′S 166°20′E / 78.233°S 166.333°E / -78.233; 166.333
Archipelago	Ross Archipelago
Administration
Administered under the Antarctic Treaty System
Demographics
Population	Uninhabited

Black Island (78°14′S 166°20′E / 78.233°S 166.333°E / -78.233; 166.333), in the Ross Archipelago, is immediately west of White Island. It was first named by the Discovery Expedition (1901–04) because of its lack of snow. The island's northernmost point is named Cape Hodgson, commemorating Thomas Vere Hodgson.

The highest point is Mount Aurora, a principal radio relay point. On the minor peak of Mount Melania is the principal earth-based ground-station for the US Antarctic Program.

Black Island is volcanic in origin, consisting of a series of trachytic lava domes and basaltic pyroclastic cones. Potassium–argon dating of Black Island volcanic rocks has given ages ranging from 1.69 to 3.8 million years.