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The '''[[West Antarctic Ice Sheet]]''' (WAIS) is the segment of the continental [[ice sheet]] that covers [[Westarctica]] and the portion of [[Antarctica]] on the side of the [[Transantarctic Mountains]] which lies in the Western Hemisphere. The WAIS is classified as a marine-based ice sheet, meaning that its bed lies well below sea level and its edges flow into floating [[ice-shelf|ice shelves]]. The WAIS is bounded by the [[Ross Ice Shelf]], the [[Ronne Ice Shelf]], and outlet [[glacier]]s that drain into the [[Amundsen Sea]].
The '''[[Order of the Snowflake]]''' is the second highest [[Orders of Westarctica|Order of Westarctica]]. The intention of the order is to honor those who have provided a service to [[Westarctica]]. It was created in January 2015. Only the [[Grand Duke of Westarctica|Grand Duke]] himself has the power to bestow new knighthoods and thus far, he has awarded the medal to foreign dignitaries, artists, prominent nobles, and other supporters of Westarctica. All knights and dames receive the regalia of the class being bestowed; the Order of the Snowflake is always awarded for life. Membership entitles the bearer to attach the post-nomial "KtS" ("Knight of the Snowflake") or "DtS" ("Dame of the Snowflake") following their name in correspondence and other forms of written address (business cards, place settings, calling cards, etc.).


It is estimated that the volume of the [[Antarctic ice sheet]] is about 25.4 million km3 (6.1 million cu mi), and the WAIS contains just under 10% of this, or 2.2 million km3 (530,000 cu mi). The weight of the ice has caused the underlying rock to sink by between 0.5 and 1 kilometer (0.31 and 0.62 miles) in a process known as isostatic depression.
The highest grade, that of Knight Grand Cross, is reserved for Heads of State and members of the [[Royal Family of Westarctica|Royal Family]]. It remains the most rarely awarded class. The regalia for this class consists of a silver breast star with over 100 Austrian rhinestone crystals. In the center of the star is a snowflake symbol encased in glass.


When [[ice]] reaches the coast, it either calves or continues to flow outward onto the water. The result is a large, floating ice shelf affixed to the continent.
'''([[Order of the Snowflake|Full Article...]])'''
 
'''([[West Antarctic Ice Sheet|Full Article...]])'''

Latest revision as of 06:23, 21 June 2025

Order of the Snowflake Star.jpg

The Order of the Snowflake is the second highest Order of Westarctica. The intention of the order is to honor those who have provided a service to Westarctica. It was created in January 2015. Only the Grand Duke himself has the power to bestow new knighthoods and thus far, he has awarded the medal to foreign dignitaries, artists, prominent nobles, and other supporters of Westarctica. All knights and dames receive the regalia of the class being bestowed; the Order of the Snowflake is always awarded for life. Membership entitles the bearer to attach the post-nomial "KtS" ("Knight of the Snowflake") or "DtS" ("Dame of the Snowflake") following their name in correspondence and other forms of written address (business cards, place settings, calling cards, etc.).

The highest grade, that of Knight Grand Cross, is reserved for Heads of State and members of the Royal Family. It remains the most rarely awarded class. The regalia for this class consists of a silver breast star with over 100 Austrian rhinestone crystals. In the center of the star is a snowflake symbol encased in glass.

(Full Article...)