Queen Maud Land: Norway's Claim in East Antarctica

Queen Maud Land, known in Norwegian as Dronning Maud Land, constitutes a substantial segment of East Antarctica, encompassing approximately 2.7 million square kilometres (1.0 million square miles). This vast, ice-covered territory is formally claimed by Norway as a dependent territory, a unique classification within its overseas possessions, particularly given the specific international framework governing Antarctica. Its sheer scale means it accounts for roughly one-fifth of the entire Antarctic continent.

The territorial boundaries of Queen Maud Land are clearly defined by longitudinal lines. To its west, it shares a border with the British Antarctic Territory at 20° West longitude. To its east, it abuts the Australian Antarctic Territory at 45° East longitude. Historically, a small previously unclaimed wedge of territory, existing since 1939, was officially incorporated into Queen Maud Land on June 12, 2015, effectively solidifying and completing Norway's claimed sector from the pole to the coast.

The territory was named in honour of Queen Maud of Wales (1869–1938), a British princess who became Queen Consort of Norway upon her marriage to King Haakon VII. Her name reflects the historical ties and royal patronage associated with Norway's polar explorations and ambitions in the early 20th century.

Historical Context and Governance

Early Exploration and Claim

Norwegian engagement with Antarctica intensified in the early 20th century, driven by whaling interests and scientific curiosity. The first recorded human presence in what is now Queen Maud Land dates back to 1930, when the renowned Norwegian polar explorer Hjalmar Riiser-Larsen set foot on the territory. Riiser-Larsen played a pivotal role in charting parts of the Antarctic coastline, laying the groundwork for Norway's official claim. The formal assertion of sovereignty over Queen Maud Land by Norway occurred on January 14, 1939, amidst a period of international interest and competing claims over Antarctic territories.

Integration into the Antarctic Treaty System

A significant development for Queen Maud Land, and indeed all Antarctic claims, was its integration into the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) on June 23, 1961. The ATS is an international agreement that effectively puts all territorial claims in Antarctica on hold, ensuring the continent is used exclusively for peaceful purposes and scientific research. Under the provisions of the Treaty, Queen Maud Land, like the rest of Antarctica south of 60° South latitude, is designated as a demilitarised zone, prohibiting any military activities, nuclear testing, or disposal of radioactive waste.

Norwegian Antarctic Possessions and Administration

Queen Maud Land is one of two Antarctic territories claimed by Norway; the other is the remote Peter I Island, a volcanic island located off the coast of West Antarctica. Both territories fall under the administrative purview of the Polar Affairs Department, which operates under the Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security in Oslo. This department is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Antarctic Treaty System, managing environmental protection, issuing research permits, and providing logistical support for Norwegian activities in these polar regions.

Unique Geography and Environment

The predominant geographical feature of Queen Maud Land is the vast East Antarctic Ice Sheet, which covers the majority of its surface. Along its extensive coastline, a towering ice wall, often referred to as an ice front or ice barrier, dramatically rises from the Southern Ocean, presenting a formidable natural boundary.

Despite the overwhelming ice cover, remarkable geological features punctuate the landscape. In certain inland areas, prominent mountain ranges, known as nunataks, breach through the immense ice sheet. These exposed rocky outcrops are critical biodiversity hotspots, providing rare ice-free ground essential for the breeding of various Antarctic seabirds, such as snow petrels and Antarctic petrels, and supporting the growth of a limited, hardy flora, primarily consisting of lichens, mosses, and algae adapted to the extreme polar environment.

For administrative and geographical purposes, the Norwegian claim is traditionally subdivided into five distinct coastal regions, arranged from west to east:

• Princess Martha Coast (Prinsesse Märtha Kyst)
• Princess Astrid Coast (Prinsesse Astrid Kyst)
• Princess Ragnhild Coast (Prinsesse Ragnhild Kyst)
• Prince Harald Coast (Prins Harald Kyst)
• Prince Olav Coast (Prins Olav Kyst)

The expansive waters immediately offshore of Queen Maud Land are officially designated as the King Haakon VII Sea, forming an integral part of the larger Southern Ocean.

Scientific Presence and Logistics

In accordance with the Antarctic Treaty System, Queen Maud Land has no permanent human population. However, it is a significant hub for international scientific research, hosting a dynamic community of scientists and support staff. Currently, there are 12 active research stations operating within the territory, collectively accommodating a maximum of approximately 40 scientists, though these numbers fluctuate considerably depending on the austral season.

Of these, six research stations are occupied year-round, enabling continuous data collection and long-term studies, while the remaining stations operate exclusively during the warmer Antarctic summer months. These stations are operated by various nations, including Norway (Troll Station), Germany (Neumayer-Station III), India (Maitri and Bharati), Japan (Syowa Station), Russia (Novolazarevskaya Station), and South Africa (SANAE IV), among others. Research conducted here spans a wide array of disciplines, including glaciology, meteorology, climate change studies, atmospheric science, biology, geology, and astronomy, contributing vital data to global scientific understanding.

Logistical support for these stations is crucial. The primary aerodromes facilitating intercontinental flights, typically corresponding with Cape Town, South Africa, are the Troll Airfield, situated near the Norwegian Troll research station, and a dedicated blue-ice runway at the Russian Novolazarevskaya Station. These facilities are integral to the efficient transport of personnel, equipment, and supplies, linking this remote polar region to the rest of the world and sustaining its vital scientific endeavors.

Frequently Asked Questions about Queen Maud Land

Is Queen Maud Land a sovereign country?

No, Queen Maud Land is not a sovereign country. It is a dependent territory claimed by Norway. However, under the Antarctic Treaty System, all territorial claims in Antarctica, including Norway's, are held in abeyance, meaning they are not exercised or disputed while the Treaty remains in force. The continent is preserved for peaceful, scientific purposes.

Who administers Queen Maud Land?

Queen Maud Land is administered by the Polar Affairs Department of the Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security, located in Oslo, Norway. This department manages all Norwegian activities and responsibilities in the polar regions, including compliance with the Antarctic Treaty.

What is the purpose of the Antarctic Treaty System?

The Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) is an international agreement that ensures Antarctica is used exclusively for peaceful purposes, specifically for scientific research. It prohibits military activities, nuclear explosions, and the disposal of radioactive waste. It also promotes international cooperation in scientific research and puts a moratorium on new territorial claims or the expansion of existing ones.

What kind of research is conducted in Queen Maud Land?

Research in Queen Maud Land covers diverse fields, including glaciology (study of ice and glaciers), meteorology (weather and climate), atmospheric science, biology (ecology of polar organisms), geology (study of the Earth's structure and history), and astronomy, leveraging the continent's unique conditions for various scientific observations.

Are there permanent residents in Queen Maud Land?

No, there are no permanent residents in Queen Maud Land or anywhere else in Antarctica. The human presence consists exclusively of scientists, researchers, and support staff who work at the various research stations, with their numbers fluctuating seasonally.