Herschel

Welcome to Herschel, a Polar island in the South Pacific Ocean, part of the majestic Pacific Ocean. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of what makes Herschel unique – from its geography and climate to its population, infrastructure, and beyond. Dive into the details:
- Geography and Size: Explore the island’s size and location.
- Climate and Weather: Weather patterns and temperature.
- Topography and Nature: Uncover the natural wonders of the island.
- Infrastructure and Travelling: Insights on reaching, staying, and making the most of your visit.
- News and Headlines: Latest News.
Geography and size of Herschel
Size: 62.3 km²
Coastline: 65.3 km
Ocean: Pacific Ocean
Sea: South Pacific Ocean
Continent: South America
Herschel is a Medium Island spanning 62 km² with a coastline of 65 km.
Archipel: –
Tectonic Plate: Scotia – Situated in the Southern Ocean, surrounding the Scotia Sea, between South America and Antarctica, known for the Scotia Arc and active seismicity.
The geographic heart of the island is pinpointed at these coordinates:
Latitude: -55.84677041 / Longitude: -67.29833176
Climate and weather of Herschel
Climate Zone: Polar
Climate Details: Tundra
Temperature: Cold
Climate Characteristics: The tundra climate features long, extremely cold winters and short, cool summers. Vegetation is limited to mosses, lichens, and small shrubs due to the low temperatures and short growing seasons. Biodiversity is low, but some specialized species thrive.
Topography and nature of Herschel
Timezone: UTC-04:00
Timezone places: America/La_Paz
Max. Elevation: 306 m
Mean Elevation: 111 m
Vegetation: Open Woodland
Tree Coverage: 49%
The mean elevation is 111 m. The highest elevation on the island reaches approximately 306 meters above sea level. The island is characterized by Hills: Gently sloping landforms with rounded tops, having a maximum elevation between 200 and 500 meters. Hills contribute to a varied landscape on islands.
Dominating Vegetation: Open Woodland
Characterized by sparsely distributed trees with open canopy allowing sunlight to penetrate, supporting grasses and shrubs underneath. Often found in drier or transitional environments. Herschel has a tree cover of 49 %.
Vegetation: 8 vegetation zones – Very Highly Diverse Island
Islands in this range are ecological powerhouses, showcasing a wide array of vegetation zones. Each zone, from lush rainforests to arid scrublands, coastal mangroves to mountainous regions, contributes to a complex and interdependent ecosystem. These islands are often hotspots of biodiversity, supporting numerous species and intricate ecological processes.
Infrastructure and Travelling to Herschel
Does the island have a public airport? no.
There is no public and scheduled airport on Herschel. The nearest airport is Malvinas Argentinas Airport, located 146 km away.
Does the island have a major port? no.
There are no major ports on Herschel. The closest major port is PUERTO WILLIAMS, approximately 100 km away.
The mean population of Herschel is 0 per km². Herschel is Uninhabited. The island belongs to Chile.
Continuing your journey, Hornos is the next notable island, situated merely km away.
Herschel Island (Qikiqtaruk)



Chile is classified as Emerging region: G20: Group of Twenty – Major economies comprising both developed and emerging countries, representing the world’s largest economies. The level of income is Upper middle income.
News – Latest Updates and Headlines from Herschel
Stay informed with the most recent news and important headlines from Herschel. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments.
- Polar heritage sites are slipping into the sea – but can one island live forever online? - The Guardianon 10 February 2025
Polar heritage sites are slipping into the sea – but can one island live forever online? The Guardian
- A Closer Look: The Black Guillemots of Cooper Island | US EPA - U.S. EPA.govon 15 January 2025
A Closer Look: The Black Guillemots of Cooper Island | US EPA U.S. EPA.gov
- InSAR Measurements of Terrain Stability in Canada's North - Canada.caon 8 January 2025
InSAR Measurements of Terrain Stability in Canada's North Canada.ca
- ‘The land is tearing itself apart’: life on a collapsing Arctic isle - The Guardianon 21 November 2024
‘The land is tearing itself apart’: life on a collapsing Arctic isle The Guardian
- Down in the Slumps: Tracing Erosion Cycles in Arctic Permafrost - Eoson 21 October 2024
Down in the Slumps: Tracing Erosion Cycles in Arctic Permafrost Eos
- Durch Erosion gezeichnete Küstenlandschaft mit Schmelzwasserteichen auf Herschel Island, Kanada. - magazin.tu-braunschweig.deon 24 August 2024
Durch Erosion gezeichnete Küstenlandschaft mit Schmelzwasserteichen auf Herschel Island, Kanada. magazin.tu-braunschweig.de
- Figure 10. Organic matter (rootlets alongside ice) in near-surface... - ResearchGateon 30 June 2024
Figure 10. Organic matter (rootlets alongside ice) in near-surface... ResearchGate
- Examples of coastal erosion types along the Yukon coast (Canadian... - ResearchGateon 4 May 2024
Examples of coastal erosion types along the Yukon coast (Canadian... ResearchGate
- Minus-50 degrees? The coldest winter league you've never heard of - MLB.comon 17 January 2024
Minus-50 degrees? The coldest winter league you've never heard of MLB.com
- Longtime owner parts with the last of the Arctic fur trade sailing ships - Yukon Newson 19 October 2023
Longtime owner parts with the last of the Arctic fur trade sailing ships Yukon News
Please note: The data used here has been primarily extracted from satellite readings. Deviations from exact values may occur, particularly regarding the height of elevations and population density. Land area and coastline measurements refer to average values at mean high tide.