Ice Fjord facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ice Fjord |
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 Ice Fjord
Location in South Georgia Island
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| Location | South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands |
| Coordinates | 54°3′S 37°41′W / 54.050°S 37.683°W |
| Ocean/sea sources | Southern Atlantic Ocean |
| Basin countries | South Georgia |
| Max. length | 5.5 miles (9 km) |
| Max. width | 2 miles (3 km) |
Ice Fjord is a large bay located on the south coast of South Georgia Island. It stretches about 5.5 miles (9 km) long and 2 miles (3 km) wide. This fjord is found near the western end of the island, between two points called Weddell Point and Kade Point. The name "Ice Fjord" has been used for a long time, dating back to around 1920. Many smaller bays and features along its coast have been mapped and given names.
Contents
Exploring Ice Fjord's History
Ice Fjord is a significant natural feature on South Georgia. It has been explored and mapped over many years. Understanding its history helps us learn about the island's past.
Naming the Bays
In 1911–12, a Scottish geologist named David Ferguson visited South Georgia. He explored Ice Fjord and named two smaller bays inside it "North Bay" and "South Bay." However, these names were already used for parts of Prince Olav Harbor.
To avoid confusion, the United Kingdom Antarctic Place-Names Committee (UK-APC) renamed these bays in 1957. The 1.5 nmi (2.8 km; 1.7 mi) wide North Bay became Narval Bay. It was named after a whale catcher called Narval. The South Bay was renamed Miles Bay, after another whale catcher, the Don Miles. Both of these ships belonged to a company called Compañía Argentina de Pesca.
Other Features of Ice Fjord
Several other interesting places are found around Ice Fjord.
Morsa Bay
Morsa Bay is a small bay located about 2.5 nautical miles (5 km) east of Weddell Point. It was first surveyed between 1951 and 1957 by the South Georgia Survey. The UK-APC named it after the whale catcher Morsa, which was also owned by the Compañía Argentina de Pesca.
Glaciers and Peaks
Ryan Glacier is a large ice river that flows west across South Georgia. It ends at the head of Ice Fjord. Close by, Comer Crag is a rocky peak standing about 1 nautical mile (2 km) north of the fjord's head. Tawny Gap is a pass that stretches across South Georgia. It connects the head of Ice Fjord to a small cove located just south of Wales Head.
