Sturge Island facts for kids
Sturge Island is the southernmost of the Balleny Islands
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 Sturge Island
Location in Antarctica
Location in Antarctica
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Antarctica |
| Coordinates | 67°25′S 164°44′E / 67.417°S 164.733°E |
| Archipelago | Balleny Islands |
| Area | 437.2 km2 (168.8 sq mi) |
| Length | 37 km (23 mi) |
| Width | 12 km (7.5 mi) |
| Highest elevation | 1,705 m (5,594 ft) |
| Highest point | Brown Peak |
| Administration | |
| Administered under the Antarctic Treaty System | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
Sturge Island is one of the three main islands in the Balleny Islands, a group of islands in the Southern Ocean. No one lives on these islands. Sturge Island is located about 25 kilometers (15 miles) southeast of Buckle Island. It's also about 95 kilometers (59 miles) northeast of the main land of Antarctica. The island is part of a region called Oates Land. It is also claimed by New Zealand as part of the Ross Dependency. However, many countries agree that Antarctica should be used for peaceful science and research.
Contents
What is Sturge Island Like?
Sturge Island looks a bit like a rectangle. It has long coasts on its east and west sides. The north-west and south-east coasts are shorter. The island was formed by volcanoes. It is about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) wide. Its longest part is about 37 kilometers (23 miles) long. This length is measured from Cape Freeman in the north to Cape Smyth in the south.
Most of Sturge Island is covered in ice and snow all year round. The highest point on the island is Brown Peak. This peak is a type of volcano called a stratovolcano. It is about 1,524 meters (5,000 feet) tall. No one has ever climbed Brown Peak. It is the highest point in the entire Balleny Islands group.
How Was Sturge Island Discovered and Named?
The Balleny Islands were found by a British sailor named John Balleny. He discovered them in the year 1839. Sturge Island was named after a person named Thomas Sturge. He was one of the important merchants from London who helped pay for Balleny's trip to explore.
A Special Place for Birds
Sturge Island is a very important place for birds. A large area of 4,655 hectares (about 11,500 acres) on the island has been named an Important Bird Area (IBA). This was done by an organization called BirdLife International.
This area is special because many birds come here to have their babies. There are huge groups of southern fulmars and snow petrels. These birds build their nests on the cliffs that are not covered by ice. These cliffs are found along the western and northern coasts of the island.
See also
In Spanish: Isla Sturge para niños
