Cornwallis Island (South Shetland Islands)

Cornwallis Island is a small island in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. It lies off the north coast of Elephant Island, specifically northeast of Cape Lookout. The island is approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) long and features a rocky, ice-covered terrain.

It is part of the British Antarctic Territory and is subject to the Antarctic Treaty System. The island is uninhabited and primarily serves as habitat for various seabirds and marine mammals. Due to its remote location and challenging environment, human activity on Cornwallis Island is minimal, typically limited to scientific research expeditions.

The island was likely sighted and named during early explorations of the South Shetland Islands in the early 19th century. It's named after Admiral William Cornwallis, a British naval officer. There are no known permanent research stations or other structures on the island. Its significance lies primarily in its ecological value within the Antarctic ecosystem.