Gough Island — South Atlantic volcanic island and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Gough Island is a remote South Atlantic volcanic island in the Tristan da Cunha dependency, hosting a small weather station and protected with Inaccessible Island as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Gough Island, historically called Gonçalo Álvares, is a rugged volcanic island located in the South Atlantic Ocean. It forms part of the dependency of Tristan da Cunha and is within the British overseas territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. The island is included together with Inaccessible Island in the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Gough and Inaccessible Islands.
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Location and geography
Gough Island lies well away from continental landmasses and neighbouring islands. Typical distances from key points are:
- About 400 km (250 mi) to the south‑east of the main Tristan da Cunha group (which itself includes Nightingale and Inaccessible Islands);
- Approximately 2,400 km (1,500 mi) north‑east of South Georgia;
- Roughly 2,700 km (1,700 mi) west of Cape Town;
- More than 3,200 km (2,000 mi) from the nearest point of South America.
Human presence and facilities
The island has no permanent civilian population. A small meteorological and communications facility is maintained on Gough, typically staffed by a team of about six people. This weather station is run by the South African National Antarctic Programme with the permission of the United Kingdom; South Africa has operated personnel on the island since the mid‑1950s.
Conservation status
Because of its isolation and relatively undisturbed habitats, Gough Island has been recognised for its natural values and is protected under the joint UNESCO listing with Inaccessible Island. Access is restricted and activities on the island are managed to limit impacts on its wildlife and environment.
Questions and answers
Q: Where is Gough Island located?
A: Gough Island is located in the South Atlantic Ocean, about 400 km southeast of the Tristan da Cunha archipelago, 2,400 km northeast from South Georgia Island, 2,700 km west from Cape Town, and over 3,200 km from the nearest point of South America.
Q: What is the historical name of Gough Island?
A: The historical name of Gough Island is Gonçalo Álvares.
Q: What is the current status of Gough Island?
A: Gough Island is a dependency of Tristan da Cunha and part of the British overseas territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. It is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gough and Inaccessible Islands.
Q: Does anyone live on Gough Island?
A: Nobody lives on Gough Island except for the workers of a weather station, which is usually six people.
Q: Who maintains Gough Island?
A: The South African National Antarctic Programme has maintained Gough Island with British permission since 1956.
Q: What is the significance of Gough Island?
A: Gough Island is one of the most remote places with a people always being there. It is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gough and Inaccessible Islands.
Q: What other islands are part of the Tristan da Cunha archipelago?
A: The Tristan da Cunha archipelago includes Nightingale Island and Inaccessible Island.
Author
AlegsaOnline.com Gough Island — South Atlantic volcanic island and UNESCO World Heritage Site Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/139022