Sandefjord Cove facts for kids

Sandefjord Cove is a special part of the ocean, like a small bay, found on the west side of Peter I Island. This island is located far away in Antarctica. The cove sits between a place called Cape Ingrid and the end of a large ice river, the Tofte Glacier.

Exploring Sandefjord Cove

Sandefjord Cove is a fascinating place with a history of exploration and unique wildlife. It's a remote spot in the icy lands of Antarctica.

Early Discoveries

People first explored this area a long time ago. In 1927, a Norwegian team led by Eyvind Tofte sailed all the way around Peter I Island in their ship, the Odd I. They were mapping and learning about the island.

A couple of years later, in February 1929, another Norwegian ship named the Norvegia arrived. This expedition was led by Nils Larsen. They explored the entire island, studying its features. On February 2, they even landed on the island and raised the Norwegian flag, which meant they were claiming it for Norway.

How Sandefjord Cove Got Its Name

The cove was given its name after a town in Norway called Sandefjord. This town was very important for Norway's whaling industry back then. Whaling involved hunting whales for their oil and other products. Naming the cove after Sandefjord was a way to honor this important Norwegian town.

Framnes Head: A Rocky Point

One part of Sandefjord Cove is a small, rocky point called Framnes Head. This point helps form the edges of the cove. Nils Larsen's expedition also mapped and named Framnes Head. It's a very steep and rough area, made up of lava and a type of rock called basaltic tuff, which comes from volcanoes.

In 1948, a group from the US Navy Second Antarctic Development Project landed at Framnes Head. While they were there, they made an exciting discovery: a small group of Adelie penguins living on the rocks! These penguins are well-known for living in the cold Antarctic environment.