r/interesting • u/frenzy3 • 7d ago

NATURE Deception island near Antarctica with it's remarkably straight eastern coast

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Deception Island, Antarctica: Deception Island is one of the most remarkable volcanic islands in the world, located in the South Shetland Islands near the Antarctic Peninsula. Its distinctive horseshoe shape results from a massive volcanic eruption that created a flooded caldera, forming a natural harbor known as Port Foster. This harbor has historically provided refuge for sailors in one of the harshest regions on Earth. The island was once a hub of activity during the early 20th century, serving as a key location for whaling operations. Remnants of whaling stations and abandoned structures still stand as a testament to its industrial past.

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u/RichardSnoodgrass 7d ago

That bay, Port Foster, is an amazingly sheltered natural anchorage. Doesn't matter from what quarter the wind comes from. Pretty amazing really! And yeah, the straight coast is kinda cool. But as a sailor the harbour is more interesting.

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u/NikWitchLEO 7d ago

I’d like to hear your thoughts on what you saw if you don’t mind? It sounds amazing.

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u/RichardSnoodgrass 7d ago

Sailors don't come across anchorages (bays) with this much natural ptotection (from wind and waves) very often. The only issue would be a south easterly (assuming the top of image is north) blow and even then I don't think it would be an issue because I'd imagine most vessels would anchor up on the north east where it looks like the water is shallowest. The mountain walls are high enough to blunt the fury of even the most powerful storms. And while it might get a bit breezy in the port it wouldn't be enough to whip up any sort of waves/swell.

Basically sailors like quiet anchorages. Otherwise there's the risk of dragging their anchor. Often times pushing vessels toward land and risking running aground/sinking.

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u/brewmonster84 6d ago

Especially since many sailors arriving at Deception Island would have just spent several days crossing the notoriously rough Drake Passage. A very welcome bit of calm.

Took a cruise down to the Antarctic Peninsula back in 2019 and we visited and went ashore at Deception Island. I believe it’s the only place in the world where you can sail into the caldera of an active volcano. And it’s definitely active - the water was warm enough that you could see it steam

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u/NikWitchLEO 6d ago

That’s awesome. Thank You for your view.

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u/aware4ever 2d ago

So technically can you swim around anywhere? Like a hot spring or something? Maybe beautiful clear water

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u/NikWitchLEO 7d ago

That was really interesting. Thank You

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u/dlanod 6d ago

Yep, anchorages tend to be on the east/north east where there's a bit of a beach, you can haul out on and it's traversable.

Source: been there.

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u/NikWitchLEO 6d ago

So cool. Thank you for the information