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Ponce Island
Ponce Island is located in Antarctica
Ponce Island
Ponce Island
Location in Antarctica
Location in Antarctica
Geography
Location Antarctica
Coordinates 63°18′S 57°53′W / 63.300°S 57.883°W / -63.300; -57.883
Administration
Administered under the Antarctic Treaty System
Demographics
Population Uninhabited

Ponce Island is a small, uninhabited island located in the icy continent of Antarctica. It's part of a group of islands called the Duroch Islands. This remote island is a place of scientific interest, especially for researchers studying the unique environment of Antarctica.

Where is Ponce Island?

Ponce Island is found in the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula. It's located about 0.2 kilometres (0.1 nmi) east of Ortiz Island. It's also about 0.6 kilometres (0.3 nmi) southeast of Largo Island. These islands are all part of the Duroch Islands, a small cluster of land surrounded by the cold waters of the Southern Ocean.

Close to a Science Station

Ponce Island is quite close to a Chilean scientific station. This station is called General Bernardo O'Higgins. It's only about 2 kilometres (1 nmi) northeast of the island. Scientific stations like this are important bases. Researchers live and work there to study Antarctica's climate, wildlife, and geology.

How Ponce Island Got Its Name

Ponce Island was named in the early 1960s. The name was chosen by a scientist named Martin Halpern. He was the leader of a team from the University of Wisconsin. His team was in Antarctica during 1961 and 1962. They were busy mapping the geology of this area.

A Thank You for Help

The island was named after Lautaro Ponce. He was the Chief of Antarctic Operations for the University of Chile. His team provided important help to the Wisconsin scientists. This help is called "logistical support." It means they helped with things like transportation, supplies, and other practical needs. Naming the island after him was a way to say thank you for his valuable assistance.

Life in Antarctica

Antarctica is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent on Earth. It's also the highest continent on average. Because of these harsh conditions, Ponce Island, like most of Antarctica, is uninhabited by humans. No one lives there permanently.

A Place for Science

However, Antarctica is a very important place for scientific research. Scientists from all over the world come here. They study climate change, ice sheets, and unique animals like penguins and seals. The Antarctic Treaty System helps keep Antarctica a place for peace and science. It makes sure that countries work together and protect this special environment.

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