Gränicher Island facts for kids
 Gränicher Island
Location in Antarctica
Location in Antarctica
|
|
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Antarctica |
| Coordinates | 66°53′S 67°43′W / 66.883°S 67.717°W |
| Administration | |
| Administered under the Antarctic Treaty System | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabited |
Gränicher Island is a small island located in the cold, icy continent of Antarctica. It is found in a place called Hanusse Bay and is the most northern island in a group known as the Bennett Islands. Because it is in Antarctica, no people live on Gränicher Island.
Exploring Gränicher Island
Gränicher Island was first mapped and drawn on maps using special air photos. These photos were taken during two important trips to Antarctica.
How Was Gränicher Island Discovered?
The first set of air photos was taken by the Ronne Antarctic Research Expedition. This expedition happened between 1947 and 1948. An expedition is a long journey or trip, usually for exploring or scientific purposes.
Later, more photos were taken by the Falkland Islands and Dependencies Aerial Survey Expedition. This survey took place between 1956 and 1957. A survey is when people carefully look at and measure an area to make maps or gather information.
Who Is Gränicher Island Named After?
The island was named by the UK Antarctic Place-Names Committee. This group is in charge of naming places in the British part of Antarctica. They decided to name the island after a very smart scientist named Walter H.H. Gränicher.
Walter H.H. Gränicher was a physicist from Switzerland. A physicist is a scientist who studies how the world works, especially things like energy, force, and matter. Starting in 1954, Gränicher did important research on ice. He studied its electrical and mechanical properties. This means he looked at how electricity moves through ice and how ice behaves physically, like how strong it is or how it breaks. His work helped scientists understand the tiny parts (molecules) that make up ice.
