orthographic projection centred over Ross IslandLand fast sea ice in the foreground. Ross Island in the background. 77° 30′ S Latitude 168° 00′ E Longitude.
Ross Island is an island which was formed by four volcanoes in the Ross Sea, which can be found near the continent, Antarctica.
Geography
Because of the persistent presence of the ice sheet, the island is sometimes mistaken to be a part of Antarctica. Its area is 2,460 km² (950 sq mi); only a small portion of the island is free of ice and snow. The planet's southernmost active volcano, Erebus (3794 m), as well as the dormant volcanoTerror (3230 m), are situated on the island. They were named by Ross after his ships HMS Erebus and HMS Terror. The third highest peak is Mount Bird, and on its slopes are Shell Glacier and Endeavour Piedmont Glacier. Abbott Peak stands between Mount Erebus and Mount Bird.
Despite its relatively small size, Ross Island is the world's 6th highest island.
Ross Island was the base for many of the early expeditions to Antarctica. It was and still is the southernmost island reachable by sea. Huts built by Scott's and Shackleton's expeditions are still located on the island, preserved as historical sites.
