Christensen Glacier

Christensen Glacier stretches along the south coast of Bouvet Island, positioned roughly one nautical mile east of Cato Point in the South Atlantic. The glacier forms a major portion of this remote island's ice-covered landscape.

The glacier was first documented by German expedition leader Karl Chun in 1898, with Norwegian Captain Harald Horntvedt conducting detailed mapping in December 1927. These early surveys established the foundation for understanding this icy region.

The glacier takes its name from Lars Christensen, a Norwegian patron who supported scientific expeditions to map Bouvet Island. This connection to polar exploration history remains part of the island's identity and how outsiders understand the place.

Scientists monitor the glacier through satellite technology due to extremely limited physical access to this remote location. Visiting requires specialized arrangements and careful preparation for harsh polar conditions.

The glacier sits on an island where roughly 93 percent of the surface remains covered by permanent ice, creating an exceptionally frozen environment. This extreme icy landscape supports specialized plants and organisms adapted to such harsh conditions.