Last Updated on 2025 年 4 月 4 日 by 総合編集組
Unveiling Heard Island and McDonald Islands: A Remote Marvel of the Southern Ocean
Introduction: A Hidden Treasure in the Southern Ocean
Nestled in the vast expanse of the Southern Indian Ocean, Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) stand as one of Earth’s most isolated and pristine territories. This Australian external territory, shaped by volcanic forces, captivates with its untouched landscapes and unique ecosystems.
Recently thrust into the spotlight by an unexpected inclusion in Trump’s reciprocal tariff policy, these remote islands have piqued global curiosity. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997, HIMI offers a window into nature’s raw beauty and scientific significance, making it a compelling subject for explorers and researchers alike.
Geography: Isolation at Its Core
Located at approximately 53°06’S, 73°31’E, HIMI lies two-thirds of the way between Madagascar and Antarctica. Heard Island, the largest at 368 square kilometers, is flanked by the smaller McDonald Islands, totaling a land area of about 371.6 square kilometers.
The islands are 1,700 kilometers from Antarctica and roughly 4,100 kilometers southwest of Perth, Australia. Within a 3,700-kilometer radius, excluding Antarctica and tiny islets, no other land exists, emphasizing their profound isolation. Smaller features like Shag Islet and Sail Rock dot the vicinity, adding to the archipelago’s rugged charm.
Landscape and Geology: Fire and Ice in Harmony
Heard Island’s terrain is dominated by the Big Ben massif, crowned by Mawson Peak—a 2,745-meter active volcano and Australia’s highest point outside Antarctica. Covered by 41 glaciers spanning 80% of its surface, the island’s icy cliffs meet a jagged coastline with no natural harbors.
McDonald Islands, 44 kilometers west, feature a smaller volcanic landscape, with eruptions in 1992 and 2005 reshaping their 2.5-square-kilometer expanse. These active volcanoes, rare in the sub-Antarctic, provide a living laboratory for studying geological processes, from lava flows to glacial retreat.
Climate: A Harsh Sub-Antarctic Realm
The islands endure a relentless sub-Antarctic climate, marked by minimal temperature swings, persistent low clouds, and frequent precipitation—rain or snow falls three out of every four days. At Atlas Cove, Heard Island’s northwest tip, monthly averages range from 0.0°C to 4.2°C, with fierce westerly winds averaging 26–33.5 km/h and gusts exceeding 180 km/h. Annual rainfall reaches 1,300–1,900 mm, creating a stark environment that reinforces the islands’ uninhabited status and preserves their wild essence.
History: From Discovery to Conservation
First sighted in 1853 by American sailor John Heard, the islands were named after him and William McDonald, who spotted the McDonald Islands in 1854. Sealers arrived in 1855, harvesting over 100,000 barrels of elephant seal oil until overhunting depleted stocks by 1880. Britain claimed sovereignty in 1910, transferring it to Australia in 1947. Designated a World Heritage site in 1997, HIMI now serves as a protected zone managed by Australia’s Antarctic Division, with scientific expeditions marking its modern human footprint.
Ecology: A Pristine Biodiversity Haven
HIMI’s ecosystems remain largely free of invasive species, offering a rare glimpse into natural evolution. Heard Island hosts 18 vascular plants, 42 mosses, and 50 lichens, while McDonald Islands support fewer species due to volcanic activity. The islands are a sanctuary for penguins—king, gentoo, macaroni, and eastern rockhopper—alongside seals and 127 unique invertebrates. Surrounding waters teem with 24 fish species, underscoring the region’s ecological richness and its value for conservation studies.
Modern Spotlight: Trump’s Tariff Surprise
In 2025, HIMI unexpectedly entered global news when included in Trump’s 10% reciprocal tariff list, despite being uninhabited. US import data from 2022 cited $1.4 million in “mechanical and electrical” goods from the islands, a puzzling claim for a place with no industry. This oddity, alongside Australian PM’s quip that “nowhere on Earth is safe,” highlights HIMI’s unique position—not just geographically, but in the quirks of international policy.
Conclusion: A Call to Cherish the Untouched
Heard Island and McDonald Islands embody Earth’s untamed spirit, blending volcanic dynamism, icy splendor, and ecological purity. Their remoteness and protected status urge us to value such pristine corners. This guide invites readers to marvel at their wonders and reflect on the importance of safeguarding our planet’s last wild frontiers.
