George V Land

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George V Land is a segment of Antarctica and part of the land claimed as the Australian Antarctic Territory, inland from the George V Coast. As with other segments of Antarctica, it is defined by two lines of longitude, 142°02' E and 153°45' E, and by the 60°S parallel.

Discovery and name

This region was first explored by members of the Main Base party of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition (1911–14) under Douglas Mawson, who named this feature for King George V of the United Kingdom. The formal claim to the territory was issued on 14 February 1933 by an Order-in-Council. This order claimed sovereign rights to all islands and territories in the sector whether discovered or not.

Geologic history

Metamorphic and structural studies in Adélie Land and King George V Land show that this part of the East Antarctic Shield can be divided into four different sections. The areas east of Commonwealth Bay show evidence for a polycyclic metamorphic evolution.

Features

  • Mawson Peninsula
  • Scar Bluffs
  • Organ Pipe Cliffs
  • Lonewolf Nunataks
  • McLean Nunataks