King George Island (Antarctica)

King George Island is the largest island of the South Shetland Islands, near the coast of Antarctica. It is about 120 kilometers (75 miles) long and up to 25 kilometers (16 miles) wide.
 Geography 
King George Island is located in the Southern Ocean, about 120 kilometers north of the Antarctic Peninsula. The island has rocky shores, glaciers, and some flat areas. There are a few small lakes and mosses that grow in the warmer parts during summer. King George Island has three major bays, Maxwell Bay, Admiralty Bay, and King George Bay. Admirality Bay is protected as an Antarctic Specially Managed Area under the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty.

The island is not covered completely in ice, so it is easier to build research stations there than in other parts of Antarctica.

 Climate 
The climate on King George Island is cold and windy. It has a polar climate, but it is milder than most of Antarctica.

In summer, temperatures are usually between −2°C and 3°C, and in winter, temperatures often fall below −10°C. Snow can fall all year.

The island gets strong winds and fog. Because of this mild climate, many countries have built research stations there.

 Research Stations 
King George Island is one of the most important places for science in Antarctica. Many countries have built research stations on the island. Some of the stations include:
Eduardo Frei Base (Chile)
Bellingshausen Station (Russia)
Great Wall Station (China)
Artigas Base (Uruguay)
King Sejong Station (South Korea)
Carlini Base (Argentina)
Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station (Brazil)
Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station (Poland)
Escudero Base (Chile)

Some of these stations work all year, while others are only used in summer.

 People 
No one lives on the island permanently. Scientists, workers, and sometimes families stay at the research stations for part of the year. One station, Villa Las Estrellas (Chile), has a small village with houses, a school, and a hospital.

 Transport 
King George Island has several airstrips for small airplanes. This makes it easier to bring supplies and people to and from Antarctica. One of the main airfields is near Eduardo Frei Base, which is often used as a gateway to Antarctica.

 Environment 
Even though the island is cold, it has wildlife. Animals like penguins, seals, and seabirds live near the coast. People on the island try to protect the environment and follow rules from the Antarctic Treaty.
Category:Antarctica
Category:Southern Ocean
Category:South Shetland Islands