Bransfield Strait is a marginal basin landward of the South Shetland Trench. It lies between the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula and is an example of an extensional basin formed by rifting within a continental volcanic arc.

Are the Shetland Islands part of Antarctica?

The South Shetland Islands are a group of Antarctic islands with a total area of 3,687 km2 (1,424 sq mi). They lie about 120 km (75 mi) north of the Antarctic Peninsula, and between 430 km (270 mi) to 900 km (560 mi) southwest from the nearest point of the South Orkney Islands.

How rough is the Drake Passage?

Spanning 600 miles between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, this unforgiving body of water is often extremely rough, able to turn even the strongest of stomachs. The Antarctic Circumpolar Current flows west to east around Antarctica and is the largest ocean current in the world.

Who owns South Shetland Islands?

The South Shetland Islands are not under the control of any nation. Instead, the Antarctic Treaty enables all signatories to utilize the region for any non-military related purposes. This has led to 13 countries establishing research stations and field camps.

Can you swim in the Drake Passage?

Cape Horn is the southernmost headland of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago of southern Chile. They will be swimming in the hazardous Drake Passage due to strong winds, large waves, strong currents and icebergs. Just swimsuits – no wetsuits, no neoprene, no swim caps even.

Is the Drake Passage Safe?

Despite its reputation, crossing this unpredictable water body can be an unforgettable 48-hour affair. These days, with the finest equipment, safety procedures, experienced crew members and polar-ready ships, the Drake Passage can be a remarkable part of one’s polar voyage—not dangerous.

What is forbidden in Antarctica?

Sometimes, it’s something as simple as a pebble from a beach. However, in Antarctica, taking anything is banned. This includes rocks, feathers, bones, eggs and any kind of biological material including traces of soil. Taking anything man-made is also completely banned, as some might actually be research equipment.

Is Shetland closer to Scotland or Norway?

Shetland is around 170 km (106 mi) north of Scotland and 230 km (143 mi) west of Bergen, Norway.

Why is Drake Passage so rough?

The most powerful convergence of seas What makes the Drake Passage so infamously rough is the fact that currents at this latitude meet no resistance from any landmass, anywhere on the planet. Coupled with the area’s propensity for high wind, a crossing of the Drake Passage can be quite the adventurous exploit.

What did Bransfield see in Antarctica?

Bransfield saw the Trinity Peninsula, at the northernmost tip of the Antarctic Peninsula and described “high mountains, covered with snow”, one of which was later named Mount Bransfield by French explorer Dumont D’Urville, the sea passage between the peninsula and South Shetland Islands was also later named the Bransfield Strait.

Where is the Bransfield Strait located?

Bransfield Strait (Spanish: Estrecho de Bransfield, Mar de la Flota) is a body of water about 100 kilometres (60 mi) wide extending for 300 miles (500 km) in a general northeast – southwest direction between the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.

What is the Strait from Livingston Island to Antarctica?

The strait from Livingston Island, with Antarctic Peninsula seen on the horizon. Bransfield Strait (Spanish: Estrecho de Bransfield, Mar de la Flota) is a body of water about 100 kilometres (60 mi) wide extending for 300 miles (500 km) in a general northeast – southwest direction between the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.

Who was captain Bransfield and what did he do?

When Smith reported what he had found on returning to Valparaiso, Chile, Captain Shirreff of the British Royal Navy chartered the ship and appointed Bransfield as captain to return south the following season and investigate the area further.