Ellsworth Land facts for kids
Ellsworth Land is a large area of land on the continent of Antarctica. It's like a big slice of the icy continent! This land is surrounded by other interesting places. To its west is Marie Byrd Land, and to its north is the Bellingshausen Sea. The Antarctic Peninsula is to its northeast, and the huge Ronne Ice Shelf is to its east.
Ellsworth Land stretches across a wide area, from 103°24'W to 79°45'W. Some parts of this land are claimed by different countries, while other parts are not claimed by anyone. For example, the area west of 90°W is not claimed by any country. The area between 84°W and 90°W is claimed by Chile. The rest of Ellsworth Land is claimed by both Chile and the United Kingdom. The UK considers it part of the British Antarctic Territory.
What is the Landscape Like?
Ellsworth Land is mostly a high, flat area covered in ice, like a giant frozen plateau. But it's also home to some amazing mountains! The most famous are the majestic Ellsworth Mountains. There are also several smaller groups of mountains scattered around, such as the Hudson, Jones, Behrendt, Hauberg, Merrick, Sweeney, and Scaife Mountains.
Two specific parts of the coast in Ellsworth Land have their own names. The Eights Coast runs between 103°24'W and 89°35'W. The Bryan Coast is located between 89°35'W and 79°45'W.
How Ellsworth Land Got Its Name
This land is named after a brave American explorer named Lincoln Ellsworth. In November and December of 1935, he made a historic airplane flight across Antarctica. He flew from Dundee Island all the way to the Ross Ice Shelf. Ellsworth Land is located near the center of the area he flew over during this amazing journey.
The US-ACAN decided to name this land after him in 1962. It was a way to remember his important flight and his contributions to exploring Antarctica.
