Lahille Island facts for kids
Location in Antarctica
|
|
Geography | |
---|---|
Location | Antarctica |
Coordinates | 65°33′S 64°23′W / 65.550°S 64.383°W |
Administration | |
Administered under the Antarctic Treaty System | |
Demographics | |
Population | Uninhabited |
Lahille Island is a small, quiet island in the icy waters of Antarctica. It is about 3 nautical miles (5.6 kilometers) long. This island lies off the west coast of Graham Land. It is a part of the vast, frozen continent of Antarctica. Lahille Island is not home to any people.
Contents
Discovering Lahille Island
The island was first spotted by a French expedition. This group explored Antarctica between 1903 and 1905. Their leader was a famous explorer named Jean-Baptiste Charcot. At first, they thought it was just a point on the coastline.
How Lahille Island Got Its Name
Jean-Baptiste Charcot named this area after Fernando Lahille. Lahille was an important Argentine naturalist. A naturalist is a scientist who studies nature. He was born in 1861 and passed away in 1940.
Confirming It Was an Island
Charcot led another expedition later on. This second trip was from 1908 to 1910. During this journey, his team explored the area more closely. They then realized that the landform was actually an island. It was not just a point on the coast.
Where is Lahille Island?
Lahille Island is located in a very remote part of the world. It is found off the west coast of Graham Land. This area is part of the Antarctic Peninsula. The island is about 2 nautical miles (3.7 kilometers) west of a place called Nunez Point.
Antarctic Treaty System
Like much of Antarctica, Lahille Island is covered by 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. This treaty helps protect the unique environment of Antarctica.