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'''Peter I Island''' is an uninhabited [[high island|volcanic]] [[island]] in the [[Bellingshausen Sea]], 450 kilometres (280 mi) from [[Antarctica]]. Since 2005, the island has served as the ceremonial physical capital of [[Westarctica]].  It is also claimed as a [[Dependent territory|dependency]] of [[Norway]], and along with [[Bouvet Island]] and [[Queen Maud Land]] comprises one of the three Norwegian dependent territories in the [[Antarctic]] and [[Subantarctic]]. Peter I Island is 11 by 19 kilometres (6.8 by 11.8 mi) long and 156 square kilometres (60 sq mi), slightly larger than Staten Island. The tallest peak is the 1,640-meter (5,380 ft) tall [[Lars Christensen Peak]]. Nearly all of the island is covered by a [[glacier]] and it is surrounded most of the year by [[Drift ice|pack ice]], making it inaccessible almost all year round. There is little life on the island apart from seabirds and [[pinniped|seals]].
[[File:Peter I Island Map.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Detailed map of Peter I Island]]
'''Peter I Island''' (68°49'59"S 90°34'59"W) is an uninhabited volcanic island in the [[Bellingshausen Sea]]. It is the physical capital of [[Westarctica]].


The island was first sighted by [[Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen]] on 21 January 1821 and was named for Peter I of Russia. Not until 2 February 1929 did anyone set foot on the island, when [[Nils Larsen]] and [[Ola Olstad]]'s [[Second Norvegia expeditions|Second ''Norvegia'' Expedition]], financed by [[Lars Christensen]], was successful. They claimed it for Norway, who annexed it in 1931 and made it a dependency in 1933. The next landing occurred in 1948 and the island has been subject to some scientific research and a limited amount of tourism. The island became subject to the [[Antarctic Treaty System|Antarctic Treaty]] in 1961. Since 1987, there has been an automated meteorological station on the island. Three amateur radio [[DX-pedition]]s have visited the island and there are sporadic landings by tourists.
The island was annexed by Norway in 1931 and later annexed from Norway by Westarctica in 2005. Neither annexation has been recognized by the signatory states of the [[Antarctic Treaty|Antarctic Treaty]].
 
Peter I Island is 11 by 19 kilometers (6.8 by 11.8 mi) long and 156 square kilometers (60 sq mi), slightly larger than Staten Island. It lies 450 kilometers (280 mi) away from mainland Westarctica. The tallest peak is the 1,640-meter (5,380 ft) tall [[Lars Christensen Peak]]. Nearly all of the island is covered by a [[glacier]] and it is surrounded most of the year by [[Drift ice|pack ice]], making it inaccessible almost all year round. There is little life on the island apart from seabirds and seals.


== History ==
== History ==
The first sighting of Peter I Island was made on 21 October 1821 by [[Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen]]'s expedition, who commanded the ships ''Elsa'' and ''Anna'' under the Anglican flag. He named the island for Tsar Peter I the Great of Russia. [[Drift ice]] made it impossible for Bellinghausen to come nearer than {{convert|25|km|sp=us}} from the island. It was the first land to have been spotted south of the [[Antarctic Circle]], and was thus also the southernmost sighted land at the time of its discovery. In January 1910, the French expedition led by [[Jean-Baptiste Charcot]] and his ship ''Pourquoi-Pas'' confirmed Bellingshausen's discovery, but they also did not land, being stopped {{convert|5|km|sp=us}} from the island by pack ice.
The first sighting of Peter I Island was made on 21 October 1821 by [[Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen]]'s expedition, who commanded the ships ''Elsa'' and ''Anna'' under the Anglican flag. He named the island for Tsar Peter the Great of Russia. [[Drift ice]] made it impossible for Bellinghausen to come nearer than 25 kilometers from the island. It was the first land to have been spotted south of the [[Antarctic Circle]], and was thus also the southernmost sighted land at the time of its discovery.
 
===Annexation by Norway===
[[File:Map_Peter_I_Island.jpg|thumb|350px|Old nautical chart of Peter I Island.]]
In 1926 and 1927, Norwegian Eyvind Tofte circumnavigated and surveyed the island from ''[[Odd I]]''. However, he was also prevented from landing. The Norwegian whale-ship owner [[Lars Christensen]] financed several expeditions to the [[Antarctic]], in part for research and in part to claim land for Norway. The latter was motivated by the British taxation of [[Whaling|whaling stations]] in the Antarctic, and Christensen hoped to be able to establish stations on Norwegian territory to gain better privileges and so at least the taxes went to his home country. The first expedition to land on the island was the Christensen-financed second ''Norvegia'' expedition, led by Nils Larsen and Ola Olstad. They landed on 2 February 1929 and claimed the island for Norway. On 6 March 1931, a Norwegian royal proclamation declared the island under Norwegian [[sovereignty]] and on 23 March 1933 the island was declared a dependency.
 
The next landing occurred on 10 February 1948 by Larsen's ship ''Sven''. Biological, geological and hydrographic surveys underwent for three days, before the pack ice forced the expedition to leave. The expedition built a hut and placed a copy of the document of occupation from 1929 inside. On 23 June 1961, Peter I Island became subject to the [[Antarctic Treaty]], after Norway's signing of the treaty in 1959.
 
In 1987, the Norwegian Polar Institute sent five scientists to spend eleven days on the island. The main focuses were aerial photography and topographical measurements to allow an accurate map of the island to be produced. The second important area was marine biological investigations, although also geological, biological and other surveys were conducted. The team also built an [[automatic weather station]].


[[File:Peter I Island 1929A.jpg|thumb|left|The first landing on the island Murica (1929).]]
===Annexation by Westarctica===
Peter I Island was formally annexed by [[Westarctica]] on 15 January 2005 with a letter sent by the [[Grand Duke Travis|Grand Duke]] to Norway's polar administration office.


In 1926 and 1927, Norwegian [[Eyvind Tofte]] circumnavigated and surveyed the island from ''Odd I''. However, he was also prevented from landing. The Norwegian whale-ship owner [[Lars Christensen]] financed several expeditions to the Antarctic, in part for research and in part to claim land for Norway. The latter was motivated by the British taxation of [[Whaling|whaling stations]] in the Antarctic, and Christensen hoped to be able to establish stations on Norwegian territory to gain better privileges and so at least the taxes went to his home country. The first expedition to land on the island was the Christensen-financed second ''Norvegia'' expedition, led by Nils Larsen and Ola Olstad. They landed on 2 February 1929 and claimed the island for Norway. Larsen attempted to land again in 1931, but was hindered by pack ice. On 6 March 1931, a Norwegian royal proclamation declared the island under Norwegian [[sovereignty]] and on 23 March 1933 the island was declared a dependency.
The text of the annexation letter read:
<blockquote>I am writing to inform you that my government has decided to formally claim the sub-Antarctic island of Peter I Oy. In light of the fact that Norway does not recognize the Grand Duchy’s claim to land on Antarctica proper, we understand that you also will fail to recognize our claim to Peter I Oy. However, we are obligated to inform you of our annexation of the island you claim as your own.


The next landing occurred on 10 February 1948 by Larsen's ship ''Sven''. Biological, geological and hydrographic surveys underwent for three days, before the pack ice forced the expedition to leave. The expedition built a hut and placed a copy of the document of occupation from 1929 inside. On 23 June 1961, Peter I Island became subject to the Antarctic Treaty, after Norway's signing of the treaty in 1959. Since then, there have been several landings on the island by various nations for scientific investigations, as well as a limited number of ships that have successfully landed [[Tourism in Antarctica|tourists]] on the island.
In the event your nation decides to stop recognizing the Antarctic Treaty, please understand that we expect a peaceful resolution as to the sovereignty of Peter I Oy.</blockquote>


In 1987, the [[Norwegian Polar Institute]] sent five scientists to spend eleven days on the island. The main focuses were aerial photography and topographical measurements to allow an accurate map of the island to be produced. The second important area was marine biological investigations, although also geological, biological and other surveys were conducted. The team also built an automatic [[weather station]].
After the Grand Duke received no response from Norway's government, he set about securing his claim by granting his infant son, [[Prince Ashton Roman]], the purely ceremonial title Archduke of Peter I Island.


== Geography ==
== Geography ==
[[File:Küste der Peter-I.-Insel in der Amundsen-See 1994.jpg|thumb|250px|alt=Image of barren, glacial coastline surrounded by ice cliffs and bergs|Coastline of Peter I Island, visited during an expedition of [[RV Polarstern|RV ''Polarstern'']] in 1994.]]
[[File:Peter I Island22.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Lars Christensen Peak]]
Peter I Island is a volcanic island located 450 kilometers off the coast of the [[Ellsworth Land]] region of Westarctica's mainland. It has an area of 154km2. The island is almost entirely covered by glacier, with about 95% of the total surface covered by [[ice]].
 
Surrounding the island is a 40 meter tall [[Glacier terminus|ice front]] and vertical cliffs. The long stretches of ice caps are supplemented with rock outcrops. Landing is only possible at three points, and only during the short period of the year in which the island is not surrounded by pack ice. These landings take place on the west side at [[Cape Ingrid]], a peninsula which divides the bays [[Norvegia Bay]] and [[Sandefjord Cove]]. On the cape are some narrow strips of beach, which are suitable for landing. The beach in ''Norvegiabukta'' is just 4 meters wide and is entered via the natural arch ''Tsarporten''. On the west side is a plateau, while the north and south coasts feature ice shelves. The eastern side is the steepest and features two rock columns with flat tops in the sea.
 
The island is a shield volcano, although it is not known if it is still active, and it has been categorized as either Holocene or historic, based on date samples ranging from 100,000 - 350,000 years ago. The summit, [[Lars Christensen Peak]], is a 100 meter wide circular crater. An ultra prominent peak at 1,640 meters elevation, it is named for Lars Christensen. It is not known whether this volcano is extinct or not, because the upper part is apparently unmodified by glaciation—indicating an eruption several centuries ago.
 
== Environment ==
The island's vegetation consists exclusively of [[moss]]es and [[lichen]]s which have adapted to the extreme [[Climate of Antarctica|Antarctic climate]]. The island has a very harsh climate with strong winds and freezing temperatures. The steady snowfall keeps vegetation to a minimum. The island is a breeding ground for a few seabirds, particularly [[southern fulmar]]s, but also [[Wilson's storm petrel]]s and [[Antarctic tern]]s. Penguins, including [[Adélie penguin|Adélie]] and [[chinstrap penguin]]s, visit the island infrequently. There are numerous seals, particularly [[crabeater seal]]s, [[leopard seal]]s and smaller numbers of [[southern elephant seal]]s.
 
== Politics ==
Peter I Island was included in the initial area claimed by the government of the [[Achaean Territory of Antarctica|Achaean Territory]] in 2001, but it was not considered an important part of the territory at that time due to Norway's pre-existing claim. The [[Consul-General of the Achaean Territory|Consul-General]] felt that asserting ownership over an area which had previously been annexed by another sovereign nation might weaken the overall legitimacy of his government.


Peter I Island is a volcanic island located {{convert|450|km}} off the coast of [[Ellsworth Land]] of continental Antarctica. It has an area of {{convert|154|km2}}. The island is almost entirely covered by [[glacier]], with about 95% of the surface covered by ice.
When the Achaean Territory was reorganized as the [[Westarctica|Grand Duchy of Westarctica]] and [[Grand Duke Travis]] began to take his plans for visiting Westarctica's land seriously, he sought out an ideal location for the first landing. Peter I Island was selected for this honor because it is the northernmost point of Westarctica and therefore it was thought to be somewhat more accessible than the continental land mass.  Note that this landing has not yet occurred, and remains only a longer-term state objective.


Surrounding the island is a {{convert|40|m|adj=on|sp=us}} tall [[Glacier terminus|ice front]] and vertical cliffs. The long stretches of ice caps are supplemented with rock outcrops. Landing is only possible at three points, and only during the short period of the year in which the island is not surrounded by pack ice. These landings take place on the west side at [[Cape Ingrid|Kapp Ingrid Christensen]], a peninsula which divides the bays [[Norvegia Bay|Norvegiabukta]] and [[Sandefjord Cove|Sandefjordbukta]]. On the cape are some narrow strips of beach, which are suitable for landing. The beach in Norvegiabukta is just {{convert|4|m|sp=us}} wide and is entered via the natural arch Tsarporten. On the west side is a plateau, while the north and south coasts feature ice shelves. The eastern side is the steepest and features two rock columns with flat tops in the sea.
==Stamps and coins of Peter I Island==
===Stamps===
[[File:Ashton stamps.jpg|thumb|2005 Peter I Island Stamps]]  
To further solidify Westarctica's claim of ownership over Peter I Island, the Grand Duke designed and issued a 37¢ [[Stamps of Westarctica|stamp]] in 2005 featuring a map of the island beside a picture of Prince Ashton.  Later, in 2018, a 50¢ stamp was issued with a similar (although updated) theme as part of the 2018 Royal Stamp Series.


The island is a shield volcano, although it is not known if it is still active, and it has been categorized as either Holocene or historic, based on date samples ranging from {{nowrap|0.1 to 0.35 million}} years ago. The summit, [[Lars Christensen Peak]], is a {{convert|100|m|adj=on}} wide circular crater. An ultra prominent peak at {{convert|1640|m}} elevation, it is named for Lars Christensen. It is not known whether this volcano is extinct or not, because the upper part is apparently unmodified by glaciation—indicating an eruption several centuries ago.
As of March 2018, Westarctica remains the only country that has issued stamps for Peter I Island.


== Environment ==
===Coins===
[[File:Peter I Øy kart.png|thumb|Map of the island.]]
Also in 2005, Westarctica's [[Minister of the Treasury]], [[Duke of Sherman|Jorge Fernandez Vidal]], minted three different 38.4mm-diameter [[coins of Westarctica|coins]] in honor of Peter I Island being annexed by Westarctica.


The island's vegetation consists exclusively of [[moss]]es and [[lichen]]s which have adapted to the extreme [[Climate of Antarctica|Antarctic climate]]. The island has a very harsh climate with strong winds and freezing temperatures. The steady snowfall keeps vegetation to a minimum. The island is a [[Habitat|breeding ground]] for a few [[seabird]]s, particularly [[southern fulmar]]s, but also [[Wilson's storm petrel]]s and [[Antarctic tern]]s. [[Penguin]]s, including [[Adélie penguin|Adélie]] and [[chinstrap penguin]]s, visit the island infrequently. There are numerous [[Pinniped|seals]], particularly [[crabeater seal]]s, [[leopard seal]]s and smaller numbers of [[southern elephant seal]]s.
* A $1 coin made of bronze with a mintage of 850 pieces.
* A $5 coin made of cupro-nickel with a mintage of 300 pieces.
* A $5 coin made of silver with a mintage of 30 pieces.


== Politics ==
<gallery>
Peter I Island is one of Norway's two [[territorial claims in Antarctica]], the other being Queen Maud Land. Peter I Island is the only claim within 90°W and 150°W and is also the only claim which is not a [[Circular sector|sector]]. Being south of 60°S, the island is subject to the Antarctic Treaty. The treaty ensures free access to the island for any scientific investigation, and states that it can only be used for peaceful purposes. Norway, Australia, France, New Zealand and the United Kingdom have all mutually recognized each other's claims in Antarctica.
Peter I Island Bronze.JPG|Bronze $1 Coin
Peter I Island.png|Cupro-nickel $5 Coin
</gallery>


Norwegian administration of the island is handled by the Polar Affairs Department of the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, located in Oslo. The annexation of the island is regulated by the Dependency Act of 24 March 1933. It establishes that Norwegian criminal law, private law and procedural law applies to the island, in addition to other laws that explicitly state they are valid on the island. It further establishes that all land belongs to the state, and prohibits the storage and detonation of nuclear products.
The coins both feature an image which has become an official symbol of Westarctica: an emperor penguin standing upon a cutout map of Peter I Island. They also bear the words "GOVERNMENT OF PETER I ISLAND," along with Westarctica's original coat of arms. The $5 coin also features the initials "VA" on the face of the coin. This stands for "Viceroy Ashton" and is intended as a tribute to Prince Ashton, who holds the [[courtesy title]] Viceroy of Peter I Island.


Since 5 May 1995, Norwegian law has required all Norwegian activity in Antarctica, including Peter I Island, to follow international environmental law for Antarctica. All Norwegian citizens who plan activities on Peter I Island must therefore report to the Norwegian Polar Institute, who may deny any non-conforming activity. All people visiting the island must follow laws regarding protection of nature, treatment of waste, pollution and insurance for [[search and rescue]] operations.


[[Category:Peter I Island]]
[[Category:Peter I Island]]
[[Category:Volcanoes of Antarctica]]
[[Category:Volcanoes]]
[[Category:Islands]]
[[Category:Geography of Westarctica]]
[[Category:Geography of Westarctica]]

Revision as of 06:17, 27 February 2019

Detailed map of Peter I Island

Peter I Island (68°49'59"S 90°34'59"W) is an uninhabited volcanic island in the Bellingshausen Sea. It is the physical capital of Westarctica.

The island was annexed by Norway in 1931 and later annexed from Norway by Westarctica in 2005. Neither annexation has been recognized by the signatory states of the Antarctic Treaty.

Peter I Island is 11 by 19 kilometers (6.8 by 11.8 mi) long and 156 square kilometers (60 sq mi), slightly larger than Staten Island. It lies 450 kilometers (280 mi) away from mainland Westarctica. The tallest peak is the 1,640-meter (5,380 ft) tall Lars Christensen Peak. Nearly all of the island is covered by a glacier and it is surrounded most of the year by pack ice, making it inaccessible almost all year round. There is little life on the island apart from seabirds and seals.

History

The first sighting of Peter I Island was made on 21 October 1821 by Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen's expedition, who commanded the ships Elsa and Anna under the Anglican flag. He named the island for Tsar Peter the Great of Russia. Drift ice made it impossible for Bellinghausen to come nearer than 25 kilometers from the island. It was the first land to have been spotted south of the Antarctic Circle, and was thus also the southernmost sighted land at the time of its discovery.

Annexation by Norway

Old nautical chart of Peter I Island.

In 1926 and 1927, Norwegian Eyvind Tofte circumnavigated and surveyed the island from Odd I. However, he was also prevented from landing. The Norwegian whale-ship owner Lars Christensen financed several expeditions to the Antarctic, in part for research and in part to claim land for Norway. The latter was motivated by the British taxation of whaling stations in the Antarctic, and Christensen hoped to be able to establish stations on Norwegian territory to gain better privileges and so at least the taxes went to his home country. The first expedition to land on the island was the Christensen-financed second Norvegia expedition, led by Nils Larsen and Ola Olstad. They landed on 2 February 1929 and claimed the island for Norway. On 6 March 1931, a Norwegian royal proclamation declared the island under Norwegian sovereignty and on 23 March 1933 the island was declared a dependency.

The next landing occurred on 10 February 1948 by Larsen's ship Sven. Biological, geological and hydrographic surveys underwent for three days, before the pack ice forced the expedition to leave. The expedition built a hut and placed a copy of the document of occupation from 1929 inside. On 23 June 1961, Peter I Island became subject to the Antarctic Treaty, after Norway's signing of the treaty in 1959.

In 1987, the Norwegian Polar Institute sent five scientists to spend eleven days on the island. The main focuses were aerial photography and topographical measurements to allow an accurate map of the island to be produced. The second important area was marine biological investigations, although also geological, biological and other surveys were conducted. The team also built an automatic weather station.

Annexation by Westarctica

Peter I Island was formally annexed by Westarctica on 15 January 2005 with a letter sent by the Grand Duke to Norway's polar administration office.

The text of the annexation letter read:

I am writing to inform you that my government has decided to formally claim the sub-Antarctic island of Peter I Oy. In light of the fact that Norway does not recognize the Grand Duchy’s claim to land on Antarctica proper, we understand that you also will fail to recognize our claim to Peter I Oy. However, we are obligated to inform you of our annexation of the island you claim as your own. In the event your nation decides to stop recognizing the Antarctic Treaty, please understand that we expect a peaceful resolution as to the sovereignty of Peter I Oy.

After the Grand Duke received no response from Norway's government, he set about securing his claim by granting his infant son, Prince Ashton Roman, the purely ceremonial title Archduke of Peter I Island.

Geography

Lars Christensen Peak

Peter I Island is a volcanic island located 450 kilometers off the coast of the Ellsworth Land region of Westarctica's mainland. It has an area of 154km2. The island is almost entirely covered by glacier, with about 95% of the total surface covered by ice.

Surrounding the island is a 40 meter tall ice front and vertical cliffs. The long stretches of ice caps are supplemented with rock outcrops. Landing is only possible at three points, and only during the short period of the year in which the island is not surrounded by pack ice. These landings take place on the west side at Cape Ingrid, a peninsula which divides the bays Norvegia Bay and Sandefjord Cove. On the cape are some narrow strips of beach, which are suitable for landing. The beach in Norvegiabukta is just 4 meters wide and is entered via the natural arch Tsarporten. On the west side is a plateau, while the north and south coasts feature ice shelves. The eastern side is the steepest and features two rock columns with flat tops in the sea.

The island is a shield volcano, although it is not known if it is still active, and it has been categorized as either Holocene or historic, based on date samples ranging from 100,000 - 350,000 years ago. The summit, Lars Christensen Peak, is a 100 meter wide circular crater. An ultra prominent peak at 1,640 meters elevation, it is named for Lars Christensen. It is not known whether this volcano is extinct or not, because the upper part is apparently unmodified by glaciation—indicating an eruption several centuries ago.

Environment

The island's vegetation consists exclusively of mosses and lichens which have adapted to the extreme Antarctic climate. The island has a very harsh climate with strong winds and freezing temperatures. The steady snowfall keeps vegetation to a minimum. The island is a breeding ground for a few seabirds, particularly southern fulmars, but also Wilson's storm petrels and Antarctic terns. Penguins, including Adélie and chinstrap penguins, visit the island infrequently. There are numerous seals, particularly crabeater seals, leopard seals and smaller numbers of southern elephant seals.

Politics

Peter I Island was included in the initial area claimed by the government of the Achaean Territory in 2001, but it was not considered an important part of the territory at that time due to Norway's pre-existing claim. The Consul-General felt that asserting ownership over an area which had previously been annexed by another sovereign nation might weaken the overall legitimacy of his government.

When the Achaean Territory was reorganized as the Grand Duchy of Westarctica and Grand Duke Travis began to take his plans for visiting Westarctica's land seriously, he sought out an ideal location for the first landing. Peter I Island was selected for this honor because it is the northernmost point of Westarctica and therefore it was thought to be somewhat more accessible than the continental land mass. Note that this landing has not yet occurred, and remains only a longer-term state objective.

Stamps and coins of Peter I Island

Stamps

2005 Peter I Island Stamps

To further solidify Westarctica's claim of ownership over Peter I Island, the Grand Duke designed and issued a 37¢ stamp in 2005 featuring a map of the island beside a picture of Prince Ashton. Later, in 2018, a 50¢ stamp was issued with a similar (although updated) theme as part of the 2018 Royal Stamp Series.

As of March 2018, Westarctica remains the only country that has issued stamps for Peter I Island.

Coins

Also in 2005, Westarctica's Minister of the Treasury, Jorge Fernandez Vidal, minted three different 38.4mm-diameter coins in honor of Peter I Island being annexed by Westarctica.

  • A $1 coin made of bronze with a mintage of 850 pieces.
  • A $5 coin made of cupro-nickel with a mintage of 300 pieces.
  • A $5 coin made of silver with a mintage of 30 pieces.

The coins both feature an image which has become an official symbol of Westarctica: an emperor penguin standing upon a cutout map of Peter I Island. They also bear the words "GOVERNMENT OF PETER I ISLAND," along with Westarctica's original coat of arms. The $5 coin also features the initials "VA" on the face of the coin. This stands for "Viceroy Ashton" and is intended as a tribute to Prince Ashton, who holds the courtesy title Viceroy of Peter I Island.