Welcome to Kerguelen, a Polar island in the Indian Ocean, part of the majestic Indian Ocean. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of what makes Kerguelen unique – from its geography and climate to its population, infrastructure, and beyond. Dive into the details:
Size: 6576 km² Coastline: 2594 km Ocean: Indian Ocean Sea: Indian Ocean Continent: Seven seas (open ocean)
Kerguelen is a Very Large Island spanning 6576 km² with a coastline of 2594 km.
Archipel: Kerguelen Islands – A group of islands in the southern Indian Ocean, often referred to as the “Desolation Islands,” known for their isolation and harsh environment.
Tectonic Plate: Antarctica – Covers the Antarctic continent and extends outward, characterized by interactions with surrounding oceanic plates and known for its seismic activity along the periphery.
The geographic heart of the island is pinpointed at these coordinates: Latitude: -49.31585608 / Longitude: 69.49572022
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.