Greenwich Island
Greenwich Island is an island located in the South Shetland Islands, a chain of islands off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is situated between Robert Island and Livingston Island. Although it is uninhabited by a permanent human population, it is a significant location for scientific research and a popular stop for Antarctic cruise tours.
Greenwich Island from Half Moon Island | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Antarctica |
| Coordinates | 62°31′S 59°47′W / 62.517°S 59.783°W |
| Archipelago | South Shetland Islands |
| Area | 142.7 km2 (55.1 sq mi) |
| Length | 24 km (14.9 mi) |
| Width | 5.23 km (3.25 mi) |
| Highest elevation | 625 m (2051 ft) |
| Highest point | Momchil Peak |
| Administration | |
| Administered under the Antarctic Treaty System | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
Geography and Landscape
Greenwich Island is approximately 24 kilometers (15 miles) long and varies in width from 0.8 to 9.6 kilometers (0.5 to 6 miles). Its total surface area is 142.7 square kilometers (55.1 sq mi).[1] The island is characterized by a landscape of rugged peaks, glaciers, and a coastline with pebble beaches and rocky shores.
Research Stations
Despite its remote location, the island is home to two active research bases that operate under the Antarctic Treaty System:
- Captain Arturo Prat Base: Established by Chile in 1947, this is one of the oldest Antarctic bases still in operation. Located on the northern coast, it serves as a site for various scientific studies and has a small museum for visitors.
- Pedro Vicente Maldonado Scientific Station: Operated by Ecuador, this station is also located on the northern part of the island.
These bases support research in fields like glaciology, meteorology, and marine biology, often in collaboration with other international teams.
Wildlife and Tourism
Greenwich Island is a popular destination for tourists due to its accessible landing sites and abundant wildlife. Key attractions for visitors include:
- Yankee Harbour: This natural harbor, once a popular site for 19th-century sealers, is now known for its large colony of Gentoo penguins, with thousands of breeding pairs. Visitors can also find artifacts from the sealing era and see a variety of other wildlife, including seals and other seabirds.
- Fort Point: This area is home to colonies of Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins, as well as fur seals. The unique, rocky landscape and proximity to a glacier make it a scenic location.
The island's fragile ecosystem is protected under the Antarctic Treaty, with tourist and scientific activities carefully managed to minimize human impact on the environment.
- ↑ L.L. Ivanov. Antarctica: Livingston Island and Greenwich, Robert, Snow and Smith Islands. Scale 1:120000 topographic map. Troyan: Manfred Wörner Foundation, 2010. ISBN 978-954-92032-9-5 (First edition 2009. ISBN 978-954-92032-6-4)
