PETERMANN ISLAND, Antarctica — A pair of kayakers in a tandem kayak paddle near a large, dramatically carved blue iceberg off the coast of Petermann Island, Antarctic Peninsula. The stark contrast between the small kayak and the towering ice formation highlights the immense scale of Antarctica's icy landscape. Kayaking excursions offer visitors a unique perspective of the Antarctic environment and its natural ice sculptures.
Photograph by David Coleman. Petermann Island, located at 65°10'S 64°10'W off the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, is a small but significant island in the Wilhelm Archipelago. Discovered during the German expedition of 1873-74, it was named after geographer August Petermann. The island, approximately 1 km long, is surrounded by the icy waters of the Southern Ocean, which are often dotted with icebergs and smaller ice formations. These icebergs, calved from nearby glaciers, showcase a range of shapes and sizes, with their distinctive blue coloration resulting from the compression of ice over thousands of years. Petermann Island is renowned for its colonies of Adelie and gentoo penguins, making it an important site for both scientific research and Antarctic tourism. The waters around the island are rich in marine life, supporting various seal species and attracting whales. Kayaking excursions, a popular activity for Antarctic expedition cruises, allow visitors to experience the scale and beauty of the Antarctic landscape from sea level, offering unique perspectives of icebergs and wildlife while adhering to strict environmental guidelines to minimize impact on this sensitive ecosystem.
Size: 3899px × 2602px
Location: Petermann Island, Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: Yes
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