Feature Name (see definition): Pyrites Island

Feature Class (see definition): Island

Country Code (see definition): AQ (Antarctica)

Feature ID (see definition): 12223

Primary Latitude in degrees, minutes, and seconds (see definition): 61° 55' 00" S

Primary Longitude in degrees, minutes, and seconds (see definition): 057° 59' 00" W

Primary Latitude in decimal degrees (see definition): -61.9166667

Primary Longitude in decimal degrees (see definition): -57.9833333

Elevation (see definition): No data

Decision Year (see definition): 01/01/1960

Description (see definition): The largest of three small islands lying SE of Gam Point and forming the E side of Esther Harbor, off the N coast of King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. In 1913-14, the rocky extremity of Gam Point and the adjoining islands to the NW and SE were named Esther, Pyritis (sic) or Pyritic Islands by Scottish geologist David Ferguson, who reported they were composed of pyrites and vein quartz. From Ferguson's description it appears that the ice cliff behind the Gam Point has advanced since 1914 so that this "island" is now joined to the mainland. The highest and most conspicuous of the remaining islands is the one here described. The name Pyrites Island was recommended by the UK Antarctic Place-names Committee (UK-APC) in 1960 to avoid confusion with the other existing "Esther" names in the vicinity.

Date Created (see definition): No data

Date Edited (see definition): No data