SOUTH GEORGIA

mountainous, barren island in the South Atlantic Ocean, 800 miles (1,300 km) east of the British Falkland Islands, of which it is a dependency. It has an area of 1,450 square miles (3,756 square km), is 100 miles (160 km) long by 20 miles (32 km) wide, and rises to Mount Paget (9,625 feet ). The island's bleak Antarctic climate, with perpetual snow covering three-fourths of the island, supports only hardy grasses and other tundra plants. Reindeer were introduced on to the island shortly after 1900 and have survived. Marine life is abundant offshore, and there are a number of species of penguins and seals. Whaling ceased in the area in 1965. About 20 scientists and support personnel maintain the British Antarctic Survey station at Grytviken on King Edward Point. Captain James Cook visited and claimed South Georgia for Britain in 1775. Sir Ernest Shackleton first crossed it in 1916 while in search of aid for his ill-fated trans-Antarctic expedition. He died later on the island and was buried there. It was not until 196465 that the island's interior was further explored, including the first ascent of Mount Paget. The island was the site of military occupation during Argentina's unsuccessful attempt to annex the Falkland Islands and their dependencies in 1982.