Princess Elizabeth Land facts for kids
Princess Elizabeth Land is a large area in Antarctica. It stretches from 73 degrees east longitude to Cape Penck, which is at 87 degrees 43 minutes east. This land is claimed by Australia as part of the Australian Antarctic Territory. However, not all countries agree with this claim.
Princess Elizabeth Land reaches from the coast of Antarctica all the way to the South Pole. It is divided into two main parts:
- Ingrid Christensen Coast
- Leopold and Astrid Coast
To its west, Princess Elizabeth Land is next to the Amery Ice Shelf and Mac. Robertson Land. To its east, it borders Wilhelm II Land.
Discovery and Naming
This part of Antarctica was first seen on February 9, 1931. It was discovered by an exploration team led by Sir Douglas Mawson. His team was part of the British Australian and New Zealand Antarctic Research Expedition (BANZARE).
Sir Douglas Mawson named this land after Princess Elizabeth. She later became Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.
Research Stations
Even though Australia claims Princess Elizabeth Land, it is home to several research stations from other countries. For example, Russia has two important stations here:
- Vostok Station: This is one of the coldest places on Earth! Scientists here study the extreme Antarctic environment.
- Mirny Station: This station helps supply Vostok Station and other research activities in the area.
See also
In Spanish: Tierra de la Princesa Isabel para niños
