Prince Edward Islands (South Africa) is a pair of small islands located in the southwest of the Indian Ocean. They are of volcanic origin. They are the island territory of South Africa (South Africa). The Prince Edward Islands in the photo look gloomy and harsh.
Geography
Islands vary greatly in size. The larger one is located southwest and has the name Marion Island. Its area is 290 square meters. km and the dimensions are 19 x 12 km. The highest point has a height of 1230 meters above sea level. The island itself is characterized by mountainous terrain, gaining height from the coast to the center. It appeared only 20,000 years ago, and all thanks to volcanic activity at the bottom of the ocean. Soils are of volcanic origin and contain a large amount of pumice and sulfur.
The second (small) island is located 22 km northeast of the large island and is called Prince Edward. His education went the same way, but he turned out to be smaller in size. Altitude also increases from the coast to the center. Its area is only 45 square meters. km, and the maximum height - 672 m. In 2004 there was an eruption. There are rock formations near Prince Edward Island.
Historical chronicle
The geographical discovery of the Prince Edward Islands in the Indian Ocean occurred on March 4, 1663 by the crew of a Dutch vessel, headed by Captain Barent B. L. They could not accurately identify the coordinates. The next who saw these lands was the captain of the French ship, Marc J. M. D. The opening took place in 1772. Landing was not carried out.
In 1776, the famous mariner J. Cook approached the islands. He gave them the name Prince Edward by the name of one of the sons of King George III of England. Later, the larger of the islands received an individual name - Marion Island.
Landing took place in 1803. Sea hunters who landed on the islands, however, traces of earlier sites of people who could be whalers were discovered. In the forties of the twentieth century, the islands became part of the territory of South Africa, and a weather station was installed on the larger of them. In 1979, a nuclear test in which Israel could be involved was allegedly conducted in the area of the islands.
Natural features
The islands are located at a distance of about a thousand kilometers southeast of the African continent, about 46 ° C south latitude and about 38 ° C east longitude.
The climate is extremely rainy. The number of rainy days exceeds 300 per year. The amount of precipitation is more than 2000 mm per year - usually in the form of rains and showers, and much less often in the form of snow. In summer, rains are more intense than in winter. Another characteristic feature of the local climate is constant winds. Often the average daily air flow rate exceeds 100 km / h, and with gusts it can reach up to 200 km / h.
In general, the climate is not hot. The minimum temperature for the year is -5 ° , and the maximum +18 ° . Monthly average temperatures range from +1 to +10.5 ° .
Flora and fauna
Nature reflects the severity of local conditions. There is no dense and lush vegetation. Mosses, lichens, and mushrooms are common. Seals and penguins are found among animals, and albatrosses fly over the islands. Petrels and typhoons also live. In the mid-twentieth century, there was a sharp increase in the number of mice due to their importation from the continent. Cats were released for their extermination, which led to their breeding to more than 3,000 individuals in the 70s of the 20th century. We managed to cope with this problem only by the beginning of the 90s.
Also due to human fault, part of the local vegetation was replaced by Kerguelen cabbage.
Who lives on the islands
The conditions in these places are unsuitable for a full stay of a person. Mostly scientists come here, and meteorologists also work on a rotational basis. No one lives on Prince Edward Island. Therefore, it is officially recognized as uninhabited. For the sake of interest as a traveler, you can look here.
Conclusion
Thus, the Prince Edward Islands are almost deserted volcanic islands, very young by geological standards of formation. The remoteness and extremely unfavorable climate make them unattractive for recreation and tourism. Lush woody vegetation is not there. Basically, various Antarctic species of living creatures live. The islands are owned by the Republic of South Africa (South Africa). They are used for weather studies and other observations.