South Orkney Islands

South Orkney Islands

A panorama of Signy Island
Map of the South Orkney Islands
Geography
Coordinates	60°36′S 45°30′W
Area	620 km2 (240 sq mi)
Highest elevation	4,153 ft (1265.8 m)
Administration
Administered under the Antarctic Treaty System
Demographics
Population	approx. 53-55 (summer) 14 (winter)

The South Orkney Islands are a group of islands in the Southern Ocean, near Antarctica. They are about 600 kilometers (370 miles) northeast of the Antarctic Peninsula. and 844 kilometers (524 miles) southwest of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.

Geography

The South Orkney Islands are mostly covered by ice and have cold weather all year. The biggest islands are:

• Coronation Island – the largest island
• Laurie Island – where there is a research station

There are many smaller islands and rocks around them.

History

The islands were discovered in 1821 by two sealers, Nathaniel Palmer from the United States and George Powell from Britain. They were first used by sealers and later by scientists. In 1904, a weather station was built on Laurie Island by Scotland. Later, it was given to Argentina, which still uses it today.

Research Stations

There are two main research stations:

• Orcadas Station (Argentina) – on Laurie Island, open all year
• Signy Station (United Kingdom) – on Signy Island, open in summer

These stations study weather, animals, ice, and the environment.

Politics

The South Orkney Islands are claimed by both the United Kingdom and Argentina. But under the Antarctic Treaty, no country owns the land. The treaty says Antarctica is only for peaceful and scientific use.

Nature

The islands have many kinds of birds, such as penguins and petrels. There are also seals and some small plants like moss and lichens.