Gnome Island facts for kids
 Gnome Island
Location in Antarctica
Location in Antarctica
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Antarctica |
| Coordinates | 67°33′S 66°50′W / 67.550°S 66.833°W |
| Administration | |
| Administered under the Antarctic Treaty System | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabited |
Gnome Island is a small, rocky island located in the icy continent of Antarctica. It's found off the west coast of Graham Land, which is a part of the Antarctic Peninsula. This unique island sits between Blaiklock Island and Thomson Head, close to the Bourgeois Fjord.
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Discovering Gnome Island
Gnome Island was first explored and mapped in 1949. This important survey was carried out by a group called the Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey (FIDS). FIDS was a British organization that explored and mapped parts of Antarctica. They helped us learn a lot about this frozen continent.
How Gnome Island Got Its Name
The explorers from the Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey gave Gnome Island its interesting name. They thought the island looked like a small, gnome-like creature. It seemed to be rising right out of the sea! This is how many places in Antarctica got their names, often based on how they looked or who discovered them.
Where is Gnome Island Located?
Gnome Island is part of the Fallières Coast area. This coast is on the western side of Graham Land in Antarctica. The island is specifically located near the head of Bourgeois Fjord. This fjord is a long, narrow inlet of the sea, surrounded by high cliffs.
Antarctica's Unique Status
Even though Gnome Island is in Antarctica, it doesn't belong to any single country. Antarctica is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System. This special agreement makes sure that Antarctica is used only for peaceful scientific research. It also protects the continent's environment. This means no military activities or mining are allowed there.
