South Shetland Islands
We Need a Sub-Heading Here
The South Shetland Islands are a remote archipelago located about 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of the Antarctic Peninsula. These islands, although often overshadowed by their Antarctic neighbor, have a geography that is both rugged and diverse, shaped by glaciers, volcanic activity, and the harsh Southern Ocean. Spread over roughly 3,687 square kilometers (1,423 square miles), the islands are home to a range of ecosystems, making them a fascinating part of the Antarctic region. One of the defining features of the South Shetland Islands is their volcanic origins. The islands were formed by volcanic activity, and some of the islands are still active today. The most well-known is Deception Island, which has a large, flooded caldera that forms a natural harbor.
A History of Bold Exploration
The South Shetland Islands have a rich history of exploration that dates back over 200 years. In 1819, a master mariner named William Smith disembarked from Buenos Aires, Argentina bound for Chile, with a goal of rounding Cape Horn. The southern waters, especially near Cape Horn were notorious for treacherous weather conditions and high seas. Violent storms in the Drake Passage pushed Smith’s ship far off its intended route and further into the uncharted waters of the Southern Ocean. On February 19, 1819, Smith sighted land at latitude 62° South. This was an extraordinary event because, according to maps at the time, no land was thought to exist that far south in the Atlantic. The land he saw was barren and ice-covered, indicating it was a new, previously undiscovered location.
A Geography Shaped by Ice
Glaciers play a significant role in shaping the South Shetland Islands’ geography. The islands are covered in glaciers and ice sheets, particularly on the larger islands like King George Island and Livingston Island. These glaciers slowly move toward the coast, where they break off into icebergs, contributing to the ever-changing landscape. The coastlines of the South Shetland Islands are rugged and varied, ranging from steep cliffs to sheltered bays and deep fjords. Islands like Livingston and Elephant Island are known for their steep, ice-covered cliffs that plunge into the Southern Ocean. The islands are also dotted with fjords, narrow inlets of sea between cliffs, formed by the movement of glaciers.
Rugged, Volcanic, and Teeming With Wildlife
The rugged South Shetland Islands offer unique habitats for a variety of wildlife. Three species of penguins dominate the landscape: Chinstrap, Gentoo, and Adélie Penguins. Chinstrap Penguins, with their distinctive black line under the chin, are particularly abundant, especially on Deception Island, where they nest in massive colonies along the rocky slopes. Gentoo Penguins are another common sight, easily recognizable by their bright orange beaks and curious nature, and Adélie Penguins, and their striking black-and-white appearance, are also a key part of the ecosystem.
Whale sightings are common, particularly around King George Island, with Humpbacks, Minkes, Orcas, and fin whales all known to appear. Yet another major attraction of the South Shetland Islands’ wildlife is the seals. Weddell seals and Crabeater seals are frequently seen resting on ice floes or along the beaches. And Leopard seals roam the waters, preying on penguins and smaller seals.
A Birder’s Paradise
The skies above the South Shetland Islands are filled with seabirds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Sooty shearwaters, Cape petrels, and southern fulmars are common sightings, skimming the waves in search of fish and squid. The islands are also home to the Antarctic skua, known for stealing penguin eggs and chicks or scavenging carrion.
Perhaps the most striking bird you’ll see is the southern giant petrel, which can often be seen flying around the islands with its massive wingspan.
A Mild Climate – for Antarctica
Despite their proximity to the Antarctic, the South Shetland Islands have a relatively mild Antarctic climate due to their location just north of the Antarctic Peninsula. Summers can see temperatures hover around 1°C (34°F), while winters are much colder, often dipping below -10°C (14°F). The islands are frequently buffeted by strong winds and experience high levels of precipitation, mostly in the form of snow.
Expeditions That Include the South Shetland Islands
Note:
We could potentially feature all expeditions which include the South Shetland Islands here once they are all built – by saving each as a global template, maybe?