Diomedea Island facts for kids
 Diomedea Island
Location in Antarctica
Location in Antarctica
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Antarctica |
| Coordinates | 62°12′S 58°57′W / 62.200°S 58.950°W |
| Administration | |
| Administered under the Antarctic Treaty System | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabited |
Diomedea Island is a small island located in the cold, icy lands of Antarctica. It is part of the South Shetland Islands, a group of islands near the Antarctic Peninsula. This island is very small and no one lives there.
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What is Diomedea Island?
Diomedea Island is a tiny piece of land. It is found within a bay called Ardley Cove. This cove is part of the Fildes Peninsula, which sticks out from King George Island. King George Island is the largest island in the South Shetland Islands.
Where is Diomedea Island Located?
Diomedea Island is in the South Shetland Islands. These islands are in the Southern Ocean, off the coast of the Antarctic continent. The island's exact location is at 62 degrees south latitude and 58 degrees west longitude. This means it is far south, in a very cold part of the world.
How Did Diomedea Island Get Its Name?
The island has an interesting story behind its name. In 1968, a group of explorers from the Soviet Antarctic Expedition gave it a name. They called it "Ostrov Al'batros," which means "Albatross Island" in Russian.
Why the Name Changed
Later, it was found that there was already another place called "Albatross Island." This other island is located in the Bay of Isles. To avoid confusion between the two places, a new name was needed.
The New Name: Diomedea
In 1979, the UK Antarctic Place-Names Committee suggested a new name. They chose Diomedea. This name comes from the scientific name for several types of albatross. Albatrosses are large seabirds known for their long wings. They are often seen flying over the oceans around Antarctica. So, the island's name still connects it to these amazing birds.
