Rothschild Island facts for kids
 Rothschild Island
Location in Antarctica
Location in Antarctica
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Antarctica |
| Coordinates | 69°36′S 72°33′W / 69.600°S 72.550°W |
| Length | 39 km (24.2 mi) |
| Administration | |
| Administered under the Antarctic Treaty System | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabited |
Rothschild Island is a dark, rocky island in Antarctica. It is about 39 kilometers (24 miles) long. Most of the island is covered in ice. However, it has tall, rocky peaks from the Desko Mountains. The island is located about 8 kilometers (5 miles) west of the northern part of Alexander Island. It sits at the northern entrance to Wilkins Sound.
Contents
Discovering Rothschild Island
This island was first seen from far away by the French Antarctic Expedition. This happened between 1908 and 1910. Jean-Baptiste Charcot, the leader of the expedition, named the island. He chose the name to honor Edouard Alphonse de Rothschild. Baron Edouard de Rothschild was a very important banker in France. He was the head of the famous Rothschild banking family of France.
Early Maps and Surveys
Later, the British Graham Land Expedition (BGLE) explored the area from 1934 to 1937. At first, they thought Rothschild Island was a mountain. They believed it was connected to Alexander Island. Scientists have not fully proven this idea. This is because the area has not been completely studied.
However, the United States Antarctic Service (USAS) confirmed it was an island. They took photos from the air between 1939 and 1941. They also made a rough map of the island. This showed that Rothschild Island was indeed separate from Alexander Island.
Mapping the Island Today
Rothschild Island has been mapped in great detail. Air photos taken by the Ronne Antarctic Research Expedition (RARE) helped with this. This expedition took place from 1947 to 1948. Searle of the Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey (FIDS) also mapped it in 1960. More recently, satellite images from the U.S. government helped in 1974.
Protecting Antarctica's Nature
Rothschild Island is a very remote place. No one has ever lived there permanently. It is protected by the Antarctic Treaty System. This special agreement stops industrial building, throwing away trash, and nuclear testing.
Threats to the Environment
Even with these rules, there are still dangers to this delicate environment. More and more tourists are visiting Antarctica. Most come on cruise ships that sail across the Southern Ocean. These cruises often start from Ushuaia, Argentina. While tourism allows people to see this amazing place, it also means more human activity. This activity can sometimes harm the fragile plants and animals.
Images for kids
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This image shows the movement of Earth's plates in the Antarctic Peninsula.
See also
In Spanish: Isla Rothschild para niños
