Squire Island facts for kids
 Squire Island
Location in Antarctica
Location in Antarctica
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Antarctica |
| Coordinates | 64°55′S 63°54′W / 64.917°S 63.900°W |
| Archipelago | Wilhelm Archipelago |
| Administration | |
| Administered under the Antarctic Treaty System | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabited |
Squire Island is a tiny island located in the cold, icy region of Antarctica. It is part of a group of islands called the Wauwermans Islands, which are themselves part of the larger Wilhelm Archipelago. This small island is found just northeast of another island known as Friar Island.
Contents
Discovering Squire Island
When Was Squire Island First Seen?
Squire Island was first officially shown on a map made by the government of Argentina in 1950. This means it was explored and mapped around that time.
How Did Squire Island Get Its Name?
The island received its name in 1958. It was named by a group called the United Kingdom Antarctic Place-Names Committee (UK-APC). This committee is responsible for naming places in Antarctica for the United Kingdom. They chose to name it after a character called the "Squire" from a famous old book of stories. This book is called Canterbury Tales, written by Geoffrey Chaucer a very long time ago.
Where is Squire Island Located?
Squire Island is in the Wilhelm Archipelago, which is a chain of islands off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. This area is known for its many islands and cold, icy waters. The island's exact position is 64 degrees 55 minutes South and 63 degrees 54 minutes West.
Life on Squire Island
Is Anyone Living on Squire Island?
Like many small islands in Antarctica, Squire Island is uninhabited. This means that no people live there permanently. The harsh, cold environment makes it a difficult place for humans to settle.
What About Animals and Plants?
While no people live on Squire Island, it is part of the Antarctic ecosystem. This means it might be visited by various types of wildlife. Animals like penguins, seals, and different kinds of seabirds often live or visit islands in the Antarctic region. They use these islands for breeding, resting, or finding food in the surrounding ocean. The plant life in Antarctica is mostly made up of small, tough plants like mosses and lichens, which can survive in the cold.
The Antarctic Treaty System
Protecting Antarctica's Future
Squire Island, like all of Antarctica, is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System. This is an international agreement signed by many countries. The main goal of the treaty is to make sure Antarctica is used only for peaceful purposes, like scientific research. It also protects the environment and prevents any country from claiming ownership of the land. This system helps keep Antarctica a special place for everyone.
