Withem Island facts for kids
Location of Nelson Island in the South Shetland Islands
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 Withem Island
Location in Antarctic Peninsula
Withem Island
Location in Antarctica
Location of Withem Island
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Antarctica |
| Coordinates | 62°14′S 59°9′W / 62.233°S 59.150°W |
| Archipelago | South Shetland Islands |
| Administration | |
| Administered under the Antarctic Treaty System | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | Uninhabited |
Withem Island is a small island located in the cold, icy region of Antarctica. It is part of a group of islands known as the South Shetland Islands.
You can find Withem Island just off the northwest side of Nelson Island. It is about 1.75 kilometers (1.09 miles) north of a place called Retamales Point. The island is also about 1.73 kilometers (1.07 miles) west-southwest of Kondor Island.
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How Withem Island Got Its Name
The United Kingdom Antarctic Place-Names Committee (UK-APC) officially named this island in 1961. It was named after a man named Nicholas Withem.
Nicholas Withem was the captain of an American ship called the Governor Brooks. This ship was used for hunting seals. Captain Withem visited the South Shetland Islands during the years 1820 and 1821.
A Change in Spelling
When the island was first named, it was going to be called Withen Island. However, in 1990, the name was changed.
The spelling was corrected to Withem Island to match the correct spelling of Captain Nicholas Withem's last name.
Where is Withem Island Located?
Withem Island is found in the South Shetland Islands. This group of islands is located in the Southern Ocean, off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula.
The South Shetland Islands are known for their cold, icy conditions. They are home to many types of wildlife, including seals and penguins.
The Antarctic Treaty System
Even though Withem Island is uninhabited, it is part of the area covered by the Antarctic Treaty System. This treaty is an international agreement.
It means that Antarctica and its surrounding islands, like Withem Island, are used only for peaceful purposes. This includes scientific research and protecting the environment.
