Forsters Passage facts for kids
Forsters Passage (also known as Pasaje Forster in Spanish) is a narrow stretch of water located in the chilly South Sandwich Islands. It sits right between two islands: Bristol Island and Southern Thule. This passage is an important waterway in the southern part of the Atlantic Ocean.
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What is Forsters Passage?
Forsters Passage is a body of water that connects larger seas or oceans. Think of it like a natural channel. It's found in the South Sandwich Islands, which are a chain of volcanic islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. These islands are known for their remote location and cold, icy surroundings.
Where is Forsters Passage Located?
This waterway is specifically located at coordinates 59°15′ South and 26°50′ West. It acts as a natural division between Bristol Island to the north and Southern Thule to the south. Both of these islands are part of the South Sandwich Islands group.
The History of Forsters Passage
The story of Forsters Passage involves famous explorers and a bit of a geographical puzzle!
How Forsters Passage Got Its Name
In 1775, a British expedition led by the famous explorer James Cook sailed through this area. They thought they had found a large bay and named it "Forster's Bay." This name was given in honor of John R. Forster, who was a naturalist traveling with Cook's expedition. A naturalist is a scientist who studies nature, including plants and animals.
From Bay to Strait: A New Discovery
Years later, in 1820, a Russian expedition came to the same area. This time, the expedition was led by Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen. His team explored the area more closely. They discovered that what Cook's expedition thought was a bay was actually a strait. A strait is a much narrower channel of water that connects two larger bodies of water. So, "Forster's Bay" became known as Forsters Passage.
