Kirkwood Islands facts for kids
 Kirkwood Islands
Location in Antarctica
Location in Antarctica
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Antarctica |
| Coordinates | 68°22′S 69°0′W / 68.367°S 69.000°W |
| Administration | |
| Administered under the Antarctic Treaty System | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabited |
The Kirkwood Islands are a small group of rocky islands and reefs. They are found in a chilly part of the world called Marguerite Bay, in Antarctica. These islands are about 28 kilometers (15 nautical miles) south-southwest of the Faure Islands. Even though they are small, they have an interesting story about how they were found and named.
Contents
Discovering the Kirkwood Islands
These islands were first seen in 1949. This happened during a trip by a ship named the John Biscoe. This ship was part of the Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey. This survey was a British effort to explore and map parts of Antarctica.
Mapping the Area
After the first sighting, a more detailed look at the islands happened in 1950. The crew of the John Biscoe made a special map of the area. This type of mapping is called a running survey. It means they mapped the coastline as the ship sailed by. This helped them understand the shape and location of the islands.
Who Were the Islands Named After?
The Kirkwood Islands are named after a very important person. He was Commander Henry Kirkwood of the Royal Navy. Commander Kirkwood was in charge of the John Biscoe ship when these islands were discovered. Naming places after explorers or important figures is a common tradition. It helps to remember their contributions to discovery.
Location and Environment
The Kirkwood Islands are located in Antarctica, which is the coldest continent on Earth. This area is known for its icy waters and harsh weather. The islands are mostly made up of rocks and reefs. This means they are not very big and might be hard to see in the vast ocean.
Life in Marguerite Bay
Because of the extreme cold, the Kirkwood Islands are uninhabited. This means no people live there permanently. However, the surrounding waters of Marguerite Bay are home to various types of marine life. These include different kinds of seals, whales, and seabirds. They are adapted to live in the icy environment.
Antarctic Treaty System
The Kirkwood Islands, like much of Antarctica, are part of the Antarctic Treaty System. This is an international agreement. It sets aside Antarctica as a scientific preserve. It also bans military activity on the continent. The treaty ensures that Antarctica is used only for peaceful purposes. This helps protect its unique environment.
