🌍 Marie Byrd Land – Earth’s Largest Unclaimed Territory
Marie Byrd Land is a vast, unclaimed region in West Antarctica, covering approximately 1,610,000 square kilometers (620,000 square miles). It is the largest single unclaimed territory on Earth. Named by explorer Richard E. Byrd in honor of his wife, Marie, the area remains unclaimed under the Antarctic Treaty System established in 1959.
🗺️ Geography and Features
Marie Byrd Land lies between 158°W and 103°24’W, bordered by the Ross Ice Shelf and Ross Sea to the west and the Amundsen Sea to the east. The region encompasses several coastal areas: Saunders Coast, Ruppert Coast, Hobbs Coast, Bakutis Coast, and Walgreen Coast. It features prominent mountain ranges such as the Ford Ranges, Executive Committee Range, and Flood Range, as well as significant glaciers like the Thwaites and Pine Island Glaciers.
🔬 Exploration and Research
Exploration of Marie Byrd Land began in the early 20th century, with significant contributions from Richard E. Byrd’s expeditions. The region has hosted various research stations, including the U.S. Byrd Station and Russia’s Russkaya Station. Scientific studies focus on glaciology, geology, and climate change, with projects like the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration aiming to understand ice dynamics and sea-level rise.
🌋 Volcanic Activity
The Marie Byrd Land Volcanic Province contains over 18 large shield volcanoes and numerous smaller volcanic centers. Mount Sidley, the highest volcano in Antarctica, stands at 4,181 meters (13,717 feet). Volcanic activity in the region dates back to the Eocene epoch and continues into the present, contributing to the complex geology of West Antarctica.
📚 Learn More
Marie Byrd Land (MBL) is an unclaimed region of Antarctica. With an area of 1,610,000 km2 (620,000 sq mi), it is the largest unclaimed territory on Earth. It was named after the wife of American naval officer Richard E. Byrd, who explored the region in the early 20th century.
Marie Byrd Land | |
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 Area map of Marie Byrd Land | |
| Etymology: Wife of explorer Richard E. Byrd | |
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| Coordinates: 80°S 120°W / 80°S 120°W | |
| Continent | Antarctica |
| Area | |
• Total | 1,610,000 km2 (620,000 sq mi) |
The territory lies in West Antarctica, east of the Ross Ice Shelf and the Ross Sea and south of the Pacific Ocean portion of the Antarctic or Southern Ocean, extending eastward approximately to a line between the head of the Ross Ice Shelf and Eights Coast. It stretches between 158°W and 103°24'W. The inclusion of the area between the Rockefeller Plateau and Eights Coast is based upon Byrd's exploration.