QUESTIONS:
Are there volcanoes in Antarctica and have their eruptions ever
harmed anyone or any wildlife?

        Meshia B.
        Mrs. Garvin's Science Class
        Mauldin Elementary
        Mauldin, SC



ANSWER from STEVE EMSLIE, Paleontologist
            Palmer Station, Antarctica
            Date: Tue, 1 Apr 1997 14:22:25 -0500

Dear Meshia,

Yes, there have been and currently are active volcanoes in
Antarctica.  The most well known are Mount Erebus near McMurdo 
Sound, Ross Island, and another volcano on Deception Island 
in the Antarctic Peninsula.  Mount Erebus was
erupting smoke and fire when it was first seen in 1823 and it still
has smoke emitting from it today.  Deception Island also has an active
volcano, last erupting in the late 1960's.  This island is covered
with volcanic ash.  There are no cases of humans having been harmed or
killed by volcanic eruptions in Antarctica.  It is possible that
wildlife was harmed, but there is no evidence as yet.  I have been on
Deception Island, however, and have found layers of pebbles from
penguin nests buried under the volcanic ash.  Until the layers are
excavated, it is impossible to tell if the nests were being used at
the time of the volcanic eruption.


Thanks for your question!
Steve