Robert Island
Island of the South Shetland Islands in the Southern Ocean / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Robert Island (South Shetland Islands)?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
Robert Island or Mitchells Island or Polotsk Island or Roberts Island is an island 11 miles (18 km) long and 8 miles (13 km) wide, situated between Nelson Island and Greenwich Island in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. Robert Island is located at 62°24′S 59°30′W. Its surface area is 132 km2 (51 sq mi).[2] The name "Robert Island" dates back to around 1821 and is now established in international usage.
Geography | |
---|---|
Location | Antarctica |
Coordinates | 62°24′S 59°30′W |
Archipelago | South Shetland Islands |
Area | 132 km2 (51 sq mi) |
Length | 11 mi (18 km) |
Width | 8 mi (13 km) |
Administration | |
Administered under the Antarctic Treaty System | |
Demographics | |
Population | 0 |
Punta Prat Lighthouse | |
Foundation | concrete base |
Construction | fiber glass tower |
Height | 7 m (23 ft) |
Shape | cylindrical tower |
Markings | yellow tower with orange horizontal bands[1] |
Power source | solar power |
Focal height | 25 m (82 ft) |
Range | 7 nmi (13 km; 8.1 mi) |
Characteristic | Fl W 10s |
Much of the Coppermine Peninsula in the west of the island is made up by a perched strandflat surface that was at sea level in the past.[3]
Captain Richard Fildes may have named Robert Island for his brig Robert.[4] Fildes was sealing in the South Shetlands in 1821–1822 until ice destroyed his vessel in March 1822. Fildes Strait is named for him.