Marion Island is one of the world’s most isolated islands, located in the remote southern Indian Ocean. The island is home to a small community of scientists and support staff who conduct research on its unique ecosystem and climate. Marion Island has been uninhabited since the early 20th century, when it was used as a base for whaling operations. The island was subsequently claimed by the United Kingdom and South Africa, and has been administered by the South African National Antarctic Programme since 1956.
The island is named after Captain Marion du Fresne, who visited the island in 1772. Marion Island is approximately 3,000 km south-west of Cape Town and 1,500 km north-east of Antarctica. It has an area of 155 square km and is dominated by two volcanoes, Mawson Peak (1, 850 m) and Erebus Volcano (3,794 m). The island also features a number of glaciers, including Fram Glacier which flows into Bigger Bay.
The climate of Marion Island is cool and windy with average temperatures ranging from 0-10°C in winter to 10-20°C in summer. Precipitation is low, averaging just 150 mm per year. Despite its harsh conditions, Marion Island supports a diverse range of plant life including tussock grasses, mosses and lichens. The island also provides a breeding ground for seabirds such as albatrosses, petrels and penguins.