Aitcho Islands (South Shetland Islands)

Aitcho Islands

Location of Aitcho Islands in the South Shetland Islands.
Location in Antarctica
Geography
Location Antarctica
Coordinates 62°23′29″S 59°46′10″W / 62.39139°S 59.76944°WCoordinates: 62°23′29″S 59°46′10″W / 62.39139°S 59.76944°W
Archipelago South Shetland Islands
Country
None
Demographics
Population Uninhabited
Additional information
Administered under the Antarctic Treaty System
Cecilia Island from English Strait.
Barrientos Island from English Strait.

The Aitcho Islands (‘Aitcho’ standing for ‘H.O.’ i.e. ‘Hydrographic Office’) are a group of minor islands on the west side of the north entrance to English Strait separating Greenwich Island and Robert Island in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica, which are situated between Dee Island to the south and Table Island to the north. The group is separated from Dee Island and Sierra Island to the southwest by Villalón Passage (62°24′48.3″S 59°46′12.3″W / 62.413417°S 59.770083°W). The area was visited by early 19th century sealers operating from nearby Clothier Harbour. During the austral summer the islands are often visited by Antarctic cruise ships with tourists who land to watch wildlife.

The islands were mapped in 1935 during the oceanographic investigations carried out by the Discovery Committee, and named after the Hydrographic Office of the UK Admiralty.[1] Some of the island names were given by Chilean Antarctic expeditions between 1949 and 1951.

Islands

The islands and some notable rocks of the Aitcho group are:

Flora and fauna

Among the bird species found on the islands are chinstrap and gentoo penguins, southern giant petrels, and skuas. Southern elephant seals are among the larger life forms. There are also a wide variety of lichens and mosses reported.[2]

See also

Maps

Topographic map of Livingston Island, Greenwich, Robert, Snow and Smith Islands.

References

  1. ↑ Aitcho Islands.
  2. ↑ Aitcho Islands. Oceanites.

External links