With The British Antarctic Survey 1972 - 1973
Where is Annenkov Island?
Annenkov Island (about 6.4km long) is located in the
South Atlantic Ocean (in the Sub-Antarctic), about 13km
to the south west of its close and much larger
neighbour South Georgia. Totally un-inhabited, it is one of the few areas on
the South Georgia archipelago uncontaminated with rats
and other non-indigenous plants and animals introduced
by the whalers. The flora and fauna therefore
represents an untouched habitat and shows great
diversity. The geology (taken in relation to that of
neighbouring South Georgia), is also of great
significance in the reconstruction of the
plate-movements involved in the break up of Gondwana
(the super-continent), the creation of the Atlantic
Ocean, and the formation of the Antarctic and South
American continents.
My Association with Annenkov Island
I was extremely privileged to have the opportunity to
live and work on this remarkable island for 5 months in
the austral Summer of 1972-1973. Since then, Annenkov
Island has been designated as a Specially Protected
Area (SPA) for wildlife. Entry into any SPA is
prohibited unless a site-specific permit has been
granted by the Government of South Georgia. Annenkov
Island is a RED AREA with permits to visit only given
under exceptional circumstances.
Website Contents
A series of photographs and maps illustrate aspects of
the topography, wildlife and geology of the Island in the
context of the journey to and from the Island under the
auspices of the British Antarctic Survey. Use the menu
bars on either side of the pages for navigation.
Web site first published 19th July
2017.
Last updated 22nd August 2017
© Tim Pettigrew 2017.
