South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Facts & Worksheets

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is a British Overseas Territory and archipelago in the Southern Atlantic Ocean. Situated east of the southern tip of South America, the island nation constitutes a remote polar wilderness. Rugged mountains, glaciers, and diverse wildlife habitats make up the geography of the islands. Not only are there significant seabird colonies and marine life on these islands, but they also boast a rich natural heritage.

See the fact file below for more information about the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, or you can download our 26-page South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

TOPONYMY

• The island of South Georgia was named by British explorer Captain James Cook, who discovered the island in 1775. 
• He named it after King George III of the United Kingdom. 
• He also named the South Sandwich Islands, which is a group of volcanic islands to the southeast of South Georgia. 
• He named these islands after the fourth Earl of Sandwich, John Montagu, who was a patron of exploration and a First Lord of the Admiralty.

GEOGRAPHY

• The South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands are located in the Southern Atlantic Ocean, southeast of South America.
• South Georgia is situated approximately 1,400 kilometers (870 miles) east-southeast of the Falkland Islands.
• The South Sandwich Islands are a remote archipelago located about 500 kilometers (310 miles) southeast of South Georgia.
• South Georgia is characterized by rugged mountainous terrain, including the Allardyce Range, which contains the highest peak, Mount Paget. 
• Glaciers also cover a significant portion of the South Georgian landscape.
• The South Sandwich Islands are volcanic in origin, with active and dormant volcanoes scattered across the archipelago.
• The Antarctic Circumpolar Current plays a significant role in shaping the marine environment around the archipelago.

CLIMATE

• The climate of the islands is cold and maritime, with temperatures varying based on the season.
• Temperatures in the South Sandwich Islands are generally colder than those in South Georgia.
• South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands experience frequent precipitation, including rain and snow.
• Snowfall can occur even during the summer months.
• The islands are exposed to strong westerly winds, which can intensify during storms.
• Volcanic activity can influence local weather conditions.

DEMOGRAPHICS

• The islands are remote, so there is no permanent population in the area.
• The people who come over and visit the islands are scientists and researchers committed to scientific research and environmental monitoring.

HISTORY

• South Georgia was first sighted by Captain James Cook on January 17, 1775, during his second voyage around the world. 
• James Cook circumnavigated the island but did not land.
• The Dutch explorer Willem Schouten is often credited with the discovery of the islands in 1616. 
• At the time, the islands were initially exploited for seal hunting.
• In the 19th century, the islands became a focal point for the whaling industry.
• Whaling stations, such as Grytviken on South Georgia, were established. 
• The islands played a central role in the Southern Ocean’s whaling history.
• South Georgia served as a gateway for numerous Antarctic expeditions. 
• The famous explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton began his epic Endurance expedition from South Georgia in 1914, aiming to cross Antarctica on foot.
• Antarctic exploration gained momentum, and the South Sandwich Islands became a focal point for scientific research. 
• The British Antarctic Survey established research stations on South Georgia, contributing to studies in biology, glaciology, and climate science. 
• During World War II, South Georgia played a role in the Battle of the Atlantic. 
• In 1941, the British established a naval base on the island to put off German naval activities in the South Atlantic.
• After the war, the decline of the whaling industry resulted in the decrease of human presence on the islands.
• In 1982, during the Falklands War between Argentina and the United Kingdom, South Georgia was occupied by Argentine forces. 
• The British later recaptured the island in Operation Paraquet.
• In 1985, the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands became a British Overseas Territory. 
• Today, their governance is overseen by a commissioner based in the Falkland Islands, and the British Antarctic Survey manages scientific research.
• In 1995, the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty designated the South Sandwich Islands as an Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA) to conserve their unique ecosystems.
• In 2003, the South Sandwich Islands and surrounding waters were designated as a marine protected area (MPA), contributing to global efforts to conserve marine biodiversity.

WILDLIFE AND ECOSYSTEMS

• South Georgia is a conducive home and breeding ground to substantial penguin populations, including King penguins, Macaroni penguins, and Gentoo penguins.
• The islands host vast seabird colonies, including species such as albatrosses, petrels, and shearwaters. 
• Whale species, such as Humpback and Minke Whales, can be observed in the area.
• Various seal species, including Antarctic fur seals and elephant seals, inhabit the islands.
• The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, including krill, a fundamental component of the Antarctic food web.
• While the harsh climate limits terrestrial vegetation, the islands support mosses, lichens, and hardy flowering plants.

GOVERNANCE

• South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands fall under the sovereignty of the United Kingdom, with governance responsibilities delegated to British authorities.
• The islands are overseen by a Commissioner, typically based in the Falkland Islands, who represents the British government and ensures the effective administration of the territory.
• The governance of the islands aligns with the principles of the Antarctic Treaty System, which puts an emphasis on international cooperation for the environmental protection of the Antarctic and subantarctic regions.
• The British Antarctic Survey plays a crucial role in managing scientific research and environmental monitoring and conducting studies on the islands’ ecosystems, climate, and geology.
• Fishing activities around the islands are regulated to ensure sustainable practices on marine life.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

• Because of the islands’ importance in scientific research, efforts have been made to preserve and protect its delicate marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
• Conservation efforts extend to the preservation of historical sites, including old whaling stations and explorers’ shelters.
• The islands and surrounding waters are designated as a marine protected area (MPA) to safeguard the diverse marine ecosystems.
• Specific areas, such as the South Georgia South Sandwich Islands slope, are designated as Antarctic Specially Protected Areas.
• The islands are recognized for their environmental importance through various conservation designations, including Important Bird Areas (IBA) and the global designation of Ramsar Wetlands.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

• Long-term studies on Antarctic fur seals were done on the islands.
• Seabird ecology, migration patterns, and breeding behavior are also main subjects of study.
• There has also been a focus on climate change impacts, including glacial retreat and changes in ice cover.
• Ice core research on the islands has contributed to reconstructing historical climate data because ice cores give a record of past climatic conditions, which helps in the assessment of long-term climate trends.

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands across 26 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands. Rugged mountains, glaciers, and diverse wildlife habitats make up the geography of the islands. Not only are there significant seabird colonies and marine life on these islands, but they also boast a rich natural heritage.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Facts
2. Aye, Aye, Islands!
3. Clearing Up Terms
4. Climate Infographic
5. Trivia Icon Clues
6. Historical Events
7. The Real Deal
8. Ecosystem Diorama
9. Wildlife Catalog
10. Dutch Explorer
11. Islands Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands located?

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands are located in the southern Atlantic Ocean, southeast of South America. They are a British Overseas Territory.

What is the capital of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands?

The capital of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is King Edward Point, which is located on the island of South Georgia.

What is the main economic activity in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands?

The main economic activity in the territory is fishing, particularly for Patagonian toothfish and Antarctic krill. There is also a small tourism industry, with visitors mainly interested in the islands’ wildlife and historical sites.

What unique wildlife can be found in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands?

The islands are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including seals, penguins, and seabirds. Notable species include the Antarctic fur seal, elephant seal, king penguin, and wandering albatross. The rich marine ecosystem surrounding the islands supports a variety of marine life.

What is the historical significance of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands?

South Georgia played a role in the early 20th-century Antarctic exploration, with Sir Ernest Shackleton’s famous journey beginning there. The islands also had a strategic importance during the Falklands War in 1982. Today, the historical sites on the islands, including whaling stations and explorer huts, attract researchers and tourists interested in the region’s history.

Link/cite this page

If you reference any of the content on this page on your own website, please use the code below to cite this page as the original source.

<a href="https://kidskonnect.com/geography/south-georgia-and-south-sandwich-islands/">South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com</a> - KidsKonnect, January 10, 2024

Link will appear as South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, January 10, 2024