Winter Island

Winter Island
Argentine Islands (British Antarctic Territory)
Location
Location:	65°15’0"S, 64°16’0"W
Data

Winter Island is one of the group named the 'Argentine Islands', part of the British Antarctic Territory lying off the coast of Graham Land. The island is composed entirely of igneous rocks.

A narrow channel called Stella Creek separates Winter Island from Galindez Island (on which Vernadsky Station is situated). The surrounding islands protect the site from the open sea and in summer the area is relatively clear of snow. A large permanent snow bank is found to the west of the Wordie House base.

No breeding fauna has been identified on the island. Regularly sighted on the Island though are Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae), gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua), blue-eyed shags (Phalacrocorax atriceps), Wilson’s storm-petrels (Oceanites oceanicus), south polar skuas (Catharacta maccormicki) and kelp gulls (Larus dominicanus). Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) swim in the seas here.