Auster Islands

Auster Islands

The Auster Islands are a collection of small islands at the northeastern end of the Robinson Group, about 10 km north of Cape Daly, Mac. Robertson Land. This remote and inhospitable archipelago is characterized by rugged coastlines, rocky outcrops, and sparse vegetation, making it an ideal location for scientific research and exploration. Geologically, the Auster Islands are part of the East Antarctic Shield, a region of ancient crust that has been shaped by millions of years of tectonic activity. The islands' terrain is dominated by Precambrian metamorphic rocks, including gneisses, schists, and quartzites, which provide valuable insights into the region's geological history. The islands' rugged topography is also dotted with numerous glacial features, including U-shaped valleys, moraines, and glacial erratics, which testify to the region's glaciated past. Despite the harsh climate and lack of infrastructure, the Auster Islands have attracted the attention of scientists from various disciplines. Biologists are drawn to the islands' unique and diverse wildlife, which includes species such as the Antarctic Petrel, the Snow Petrel, the Wilson's Storm-Petrel, the Southern Giant Petrel, the South Polar Skua, and the Weddell Seal. These species have adapted to the islands' extreme conditions, and studying them provides valuable insights into the ecology and evolution of Antarctic species. Auster Rookery, located 6 km northeast of Auster Islands, is home to a large colony of Emperor Penguins.