Snow Island (South Shetland Islands) facts for kids
Devils Point from Lucifer Crags, with Hell Gates and Vardim Rocks in the middle ground, Morton Strait and Snow Island in the background, and Smith Island seen on the horizon on the right
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Topographic map of Livingston Island, Greenwich, Robert, Snow and Smith Islands
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 Snow Island
Location in South Shetland Islands
Snow Island
Location in Antarctica
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Antarctica |
| Coordinates | 62°47′S 61°23′W / 62.783°S 61.383°W |
| Archipelago | South Shetland Islands |
| Area | 120.4 km2 (46.5 sq mi) |
| Length | 16 km (9.9 mi) |
| Width | 8 km (5 mi) |
| Administration | |
| Administered under the Antarctic Treaty System | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabited |
Snow Island, also known as Isla Nevada, is an island completely covered in ice. It is about 16 kilometers (10 miles) long and 8 kilometers (5 miles) wide. Its total area is about 120.4 square kilometers (46.5 square miles).
This icy island is located about 6 kilometers (4 miles) southwest of Livingston Island. Both islands are part of the South Shetland Islands, which are found near Antarctica.
Contents
Discovering Snow Island
Snow Island was first known to American and British seal hunters as early as 1820. These hunters were looking for seals in the cold waters around Antarctica. The name "Snow Island" has been used around the world for more than 100 years.
Early Maps of the Region
Early explorers and sealers created maps to show where these islands were. One important map was made by George Powell in 1822. His map helped others navigate the South Shetland Islands and South Orkney Islands.
Wildlife on Snow Island
Snow Island is home to the northernmost known breeding colony of Emperor penguins. These amazing birds are the tallest and heaviest of all living penguin species. They can survive in very cold conditions.
Emperor Penguin Life Cycle
Emperor penguins spend most of their lives in the ocean, but they come to land to breed. They lay their eggs and raise their chicks on the ice. The male penguins keep the eggs warm on their feet during the harsh winter.
Maps
See also
In Spanish: Isla Nevada para niños
