South Shetland Islands

The South Shetland Islands are a group of about 20 small islands located near the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula in the Southern Ocean. They are mostly covered in ice and have rugged terrain with glaciers, volcanic peaks, and rocky shores. The islands are important for scientific research, particularly in studying climate change and marine life, such as penguins and seals. Despite their remote and harsh environment, they are visited by researchers and tourists seasonally. The islands are part of a region regulated by international treaties to protect their fragile ecosystem.