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{{for|the former constituency|West Falkland (constituency)}}
{{Infobox Falkland island
{{Use British English|date=August 2023}}
|Image=
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
|Map=Falkland Islands - West Falkland.PNG
{{Infobox settlement
|MapCaption=
<!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions -->
|latitude= -51.7975
| name = West&nbsp;Falkland
|longitude= -60.1319
| type = ]
|coordinates= {{Coord|51|47|51|S|60|07|55|W|scale:1250000|display=inline,title}}
| native_name = {{native name|es|Isla Gran Malvina}}
|island group=
|english name=West Falkland | image_skyline = West-Falkland.jpg
| image_caption = <span style="font-size:11px;">West Falkland from Keppel Island</span>
|spanish name=Gran Malvina
| image_map = Falkland Islands - West Falkland.svg
|meaning of name=Spanish: Large Falkland Island
| map_caption = {{map_caption
|area_km2=4532
| location_color = red
|area rank=2
|highest elevation= ], {{convert|700|m|abbr=on}} | region = the&nbsp;]
| region_color = red & white
|Population=144
}}
|population rank=2
| coordinates = {{coord|51|47|51|S|60|07|55|W|region:FK_scale:1250000_type:isle|display=inline,title}}
|main settlement=]
| subdivision_type = Location
|references=2001 Falkland Islands Census<ref name=Census>{{Cite web
| subdivision_name = ]
|url = http://www.falklands.info/background/census2001t.html
| subdivision_type1 = Archipelago
|title = Falkland Islands Census. ''Figure exclude persons aboard visiting vessels or the estimated number of people temporarily absent. It excludes serving military and their families, but not civilian staff at military bases''.
| subdivision_name1 = ]
|year = 2001
| area_total_km2 = 4532
|accessdate =5 March 2010}}</ref>
| area_rank = 2nd{{ref label|rankarea|a|}}
| population_total = 160
| population_as_of = 2016
| population_footnotes = <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fig.gov.fk/policy/index.php/component/jdownloads/finish/5-statistics/4788-falkland-islands-census-2016-report/0?Itemid=0#page=14|title=2016 Census Report|year=2017|publisher=Policy and Economic Development Unit, Falkland Islands Government|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124232820/http://www.fig.gov.fk/policy/index.php/component/jdownloads/finish/5-statistics/4788-falkland-islands-census-2016-report/0?Itemid=0|archive-date=24 January 2018}}</ref>
| population_rank = 2nd{{ref label|rankpopulation|b|}}
| population_density_km2 = auto
| blank_name_sec1 = Highest&nbsp;elevation
| blank_info_sec1 = 700&nbsp;m&nbsp;(2,300 ft)
| blank1_name_sec1 = Highest&nbsp;point
| blank1_info_sec1 = ]
| blank_name_sec2 = Polity
| blank_info_sec2 = ]
| blank1_name_sec2 = Largest&nbsp;settlement
| blank1_info_sec2 = ]
| footnotes = a.{{spaces|2}}{{note|rankarea}}All islands in the Falkland Islands.<br/>b.{{spaces|2}}{{note|rankpopulation}}All inhabited islands in the Falkland Islands.
}} }}
'''West Falkland''' ({{langx|es|Isla Gran Malvina}}) is the second largest of the ] in the South Atlantic. It is a hilly island, separated from ] by the ]. Its area is {{convert|4532|km2|abbr=off}}, 37% of the total area of the islands.<ref name="EU">{{cite web

|url = http://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/data/maritime-boundaries/inventory_report/inventory_report/at_download/file
'''West Falkland''' is the second largest of the ] in the South Atlantic. It is a hilly island, separated from ] by ]. Its area is {{convert|4532|km2|abbr=off}}<ref name="EU">{{Cite web
|title = D2.1.1 Inventory Report
|url = http://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/data/hydrodynamics-and-sea-level-rise/inventory_report/inventory_report/at_download/file
|work = European Coastal Erosion database
|title = Inventory of European data sources relevant for coastal erosion assessment in Europe (page 122)
|publisher=European Commission |publisher = European Commission
|year = 2002 |page = 122
|year = 2002
|accessdate =25 July 2010
|first1 = Hervé
|postscript =. The source uses metric units.}}</ref> and its coastline is {{convert|1258.7|km|disp=output only|abbr=off}} (1258.7&nbsp;km) long.<ref name="EU"/> Including the adjacent small islands the land area is {{convert|5413|km2|disp=output only|abbr=off}} (5413&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>){{Citation needed|date=July 2010}}.
|last1 = Pichon
|first2 = Nicolas
|last2 = Rolland
|first3 = Nadège
|last3 = Orlova
|first4 = Stéphane
|last4 = Lombardo
|access-date =6 October 2012}}</ref> Its coastline is {{convert|1258.7|km|abbr=off}} long.<ref name="EU"/>


==Population== ==Population==
The island has fewer than 200 people, scattered around the coastline. The largest settlement is ] on the east coast, which has an ]. Other settlements include ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ], most of which are linked by road and also have airstrips and ]s. In 1986, the population was 265, in 2001, it had fallen to 144.<ref name=Census/> The island has fewer than 200 people, scattered around the coastline. The largest settlement is ] on the east coast, which has an ]. Other settlements include ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ], most of which are linked by road and also have airstrips and ]s. In 1986, the population was 265, in 2001, it had fallen to 144 and rose to 160 in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fig.gov.fk/policy/index.php/component/jdownloads/finish/5-statistics/4788-falkland-islands-census-2016-report/0?Itemid=0#page=14|title=2016 Census Report|year=2017|publisher=Policy and Economic Development Unit, Falkland Islands Government|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124232820/http://www.fig.gov.fk/policy/index.php/component/jdownloads/finish/5-statistics/4788-falkland-islands-census-2016-report/0?Itemid=0|archive-date=24 January 2018}}</ref>


Because West Falkland is outside ] or ] on ] it is considered part of the "]", a Falklander term for the area outside the main settlement. Because West Falkland is outside ] or ] on ] it is considered part of the "]", a Falklander term for the area outside the main settlement.


==Geography and wildlife== ==Geography and wildlife==
] ] was killed on West Falkland]]
West Falkland is hillier on the side closest to ]. The principal mountain range, the ], runs parallel with ]. ], the highest hill in the islands, is {{convert|700|m}} above sea level.<ref name=EB1911>{{EB1911 |wstitle=Falkland Islands |volume=10 |pages=151–152 |inline=1}}</ref>
] was killed on West Falkland]]
West Falkland is more hilly on the side closest to ]; the principal mountain range, the ], runs north and south parallel with ]. ], the highest hill in the islands, is {{convert|700|m}} above sea level.
<ref>{{Cite web <ref>{{Cite web
|url=http://www.falklands.info/background/geography.html |url=http://www.falklands.info/background/geography.html
|title= Falklands.info Geography |title= Falklands.info Geography
|work=web page |work=web page
|accessdate=24 July 2010}} |access-date=24 July 2010}}
</ref> </ref>
Formerly it was thought that Mount Robinson at {{convert|695|m}} above sea level was the highest point. However, a later survey found that Mount Adam was higher. At this, the Argentines transferred the name ''Monte Independencia'' from Mount Robinson to Mount Adam.<ref>{{Cite web Formerly it was thought that Mount Robinson at {{convert|695|m}} above sea level was the highest point. However, a later survey found that Mount Adam was higher. At this, the Argentines transferred the name ''Monte Independencia'' from Mount Robinson to Mount Adam.<ref>{{Cite web
|url= http://www.scribd.com/doc/6183249/THE-TOPONYMY-OF-THE-FALKLAND-ISLANDS-AS-RECORDED-ON-MAPS-AND-IN-GAZETTEERS |url= https://www.scribd.com/doc/6183249/THE-TOPONYMY-OF-THE-FALKLAND-ISLANDS-AS-RECORDED-ON-MAPS-AND-IN-GAZETTEERS
|title = The Toponymy of the Falkland Islands as recorded on maps and in gazetteers (Para 14) |publisher=Permanent Committee on Geographic Names (Crown Copyright) |title = The Toponymy of the Falkland Islands as recorded on maps and in gazetteers (Para 14) |publisher=Permanent Committee on Geographic Names (Crown Copyright)
|year = 2006 |year = 2006
|accessdate =5 March 2010}}</ref> |access-date =5 March 2010}}</ref>
The major industry on the island is ], while it is also known for its ] and ] colonies. Fishing is also popular in the two main rivers, the ] and the ]. The major industry on the island is ], while it is also known for its ] and ] colonies. Fishing is also popular in the two main rivers, the ] and the ].


In the 19th century as today, indigenous land fauna was very scanty. A small wolf, the ], the ''loup-renard'' of ], is extinct, the last having been seen about 1875 on West Falkland. It is commemorated in the name of one of the island's rivers, the "Warrah". Some herds of cattle and horses ran wild; but these were introduced by settlers as were the wild hogs, the numerous rabbits and the less common hares. All these have greatly declined in numbers, being profitably replaced by sheep. In the 19th century as today, indigenous land fauna was very scanty. A small wolf, the ], the ''loup-renard'' of ], is extinct, the last having been seen about 1875 on West Falkland.<ref name=EB1911/> It is commemorated in the name of one of the island's rivers – the ] – and the settlement of ]. Some herds of cattle and horses ran wild; but these were introduced by settlers as were the wild hogs, the numerous rabbits and the less common hares. All these have greatly declined in numbers, being profitably replaced by sheep.<ref name=EB1911/>


The southernmost point of West Falkland is ], and the most south-westerly point is ]. On the southerly side lie high cliffs with an abundance of seabirds. To the west are some white sandy beaches with beautiful clean water and rolling sand dunes with tall grass. Set just back from the top of the cliffs is a single wooden hut locally referred to as Uncle Tom's Cabin. The beaches are a habitat for ]s and are unpolluted save for the occasional piece of wreckage and the odd washed-up tree trunk. The southernmost point of West Falkland is ], and the most south-westerly point is ]. On the southerly side lie high cliffs with an abundance of seabirds. To the west are some white sandy beaches with clean water and rolling sand dunes with tall grass. Set just back from the top of the cliffs is a single wooden hut locally referred to as Uncle Tom's Cabin. The beaches are a habitat for ]s and are unpolluted save for the occasional piece of wreckage.


===Geology=== ===Geology===
Most of the layers of West Falkland and its surrounding islands are slightly inclined from the horizontal. This inclination shows different types from rocks in different places. The quartzites of ] and ] are more resistant than the arenaceous sediments of the formation at ]. The ], near ] have experienced tectonic forces of uplift and folding by which the quartzite beds of Stanley are inclined to the vertical. Most of the layers of West Falkland and its surrounding islands are slightly inclined from the horizontal. This inclination shows different types of rocks in different places. The quartzites of ] and ] are more resistant than the arenaceous sediments of the formation at ]. The ], near ] have experienced tectonic forces of uplift and folding which has inclined the quartzite beds of Stanley to the vertical.


In West Falkland there are several dykes that cut the rocks of the western islands, but these dykes, unlike the previous ones, are chemically more unstable and have been eroded. The only indications of their existence are the aligned linear depressions. In the margins of these depressions there is evidence of contact baking or ] formation adjacent to the once molten basalt dyke. In West Falkland there are several dykes that cut the rocks of the western islands, but these dykes, unlike the previous ones, are chemically more unstable and have been eroded. The only indications of their existence are the aligned linear depressions. In the margins of these depressions there is evidence of contact baking or ] formation adjacent to the once molten basalt dyke.


==History== ==History==
] ]


Early explorers reported the remains of canoes on West Falkland but it is unclear whether it was a one way trip, or indeed if the canoes were not swept in from ]. Early explorers reported the remains of canoes on West Falkland but it is unclear whether it was a one way trip, or indeed if the canoes were not swept in from ].
Line 71: Line 93:
:"''Wednesday this morning we weighed and stood unto an harbour on ye west side and there came to ane anchor and sent our boat on shoar for fresh water and did kill abundance of geese and ducks but as far as wood there is none.''" :"''Wednesday this morning we weighed and stood unto an harbour on ye west side and there came to ane anchor and sent our boat on shoar for fresh water and did kill abundance of geese and ducks but as far as wood there is none.''"


The lack of wood is somewhat surprising, as while there were no trees growing there, driftwood frequently washes up on Falkland beaches. This may be accounted for by the sheltered nature of Bold Cove. Strong named ], which gave its name to all the islands. Although Strong recorded a lack of wood in the area, driftwood frequently washes up on Falkland beaches. This may be accounted for by the sheltered nature of Bold Cove. Strong named ], which gave its name to all the islands.


While the first recorded landing on the main islands of the Falklands was on West Falkland, it was settled remarkably late. In 1867 there were no settlers on West Falkland. The government issued a proclamation offering leases of grazing stations on very moderate terms and in 1868 all the available land was occupied. While the first recorded landing on the main islands of the Falklands was on West Falkland, it was settled remarkably late. In 1867 there were no settlers on West Falkland. The government issued a proclamation offering leases of grazing stations on very moderate terms and in 1868 all the available land was occupied.<ref name=EB1911/>


Modern West Falkland is also home to two ] Reporting Posts: Mount Alice, which is near ] in the south of the island, and Mount ] in the north.<ref>{{Cite web Modern West Falkland is also home to two ] ]s: Mount Alice, which is near ] in the south of the island, and Mount Byron in the north.<ref>{{Cite web
|url = http://www.raf.mod.uk/downloads/documents/raftoday2004.pdf |url = http://www.raf.mod.uk/downloads/documents/raftoday2004.pdf
|title = RAF Today |title = RAF Today
|publisher= Ministry of Defence |publisher= Ministry of Defence
|date = 02/2004 |date = February 2004
|accessdate =24 July 2010}}</ref> |access-date =24 July 2010}}</ref>


In early 2007 the Falkland Islands Government awarded a contract to supply an East-West ferry to Workboat Services Ltd.<ref>{{Cite web In early 2007, the Falkland Islands Government awarded a contract to supply an east–west ferry to Workboat Services Ltd.<ref>{{Cite web
|url = http://www.workboat.co.fk/index.htm |url = http://www.workboat.co.fk/index.htm
|title = Workboat Services Ltd (Home page) |title = Workboat Services Ltd (Home page)
|accessdate =3 May 2010}}</ref> The service runs between ] and ]. |access-date =3 May 2010}}</ref> The service runs between ] and ].


===Falklands War=== ===Falklands War===
West Falkland saw some activity during the ] in 1982; ], ] and ] were all occupied by Argentine troops during the hostilities and were subjected to occasional British ] bombardment and air attacks. West Falkland saw some activity during the ] in 1982; ], ] and ] were all occupied by Argentine troops during the hostilities and were subjected to occasional ] and ]s by the ].


The most significant skirmish on West Falkland was perhaps the ], near Port Howard. The most significant skirmish on West Falkland was perhaps the ], near Port Howard.
Line 95: Line 117:


==References== ==References==
* {{1911}} {{reflist|30em}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
{{Navboxes
{{Falkland Islands topics|state=collapsed}}
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{{Falkland Islands topics}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2011}}


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Latest revision as of 19:54, 25 October 2024

For the former constituency, see West Falkland (constituency).

Island in Falkland Islands, Atlantic Ocean
West Falkland Isla Gran Malvina (Spanish)
Island
West Falkland from Keppel IslandWest Falkland from Keppel Island
Location of West Falkland (red) in the Falkland Islands (red & white)Location of West Falkland (red)

in the Falkland Islands (red & white)

Coordinates: 51°47′51″S 60°07′55″W / 51.79750°S 60.13194°W / -51.79750; -60.13194
LocationAtlantic Ocean
ArchipelagoFalkland Islands
Area
 • Total4,532 km (1,750 sq mi)
 • Rank2nd
Population
 • Total160
 • Rank2nd
 • Density0.035/km (0.091/sq mi)
Highest elevation700 m (2,300 ft)
Highest pointMount Adam
PolityFalkland Islands
Largest settlementPort Howard
a.   All islands in the Falkland Islands.
b.   All inhabited islands in the Falkland Islands.

West Falkland (Spanish: Isla Gran Malvina) is the second largest of the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic. It is a hilly island, separated from East Falkland by the Falkland Sound. Its area is 4,532 square kilometres (1,750 square miles), 37% of the total area of the islands. Its coastline is 1,258.7 kilometres (782.1 miles) long.

Population

The island has fewer than 200 people, scattered around the coastline. The largest settlement is Port Howard on the east coast, which has an airstrip. Other settlements include Albemarle, Chartres, Dunnose Head, Fox Bay, Fox Bay West, Hill Cove, Port Stephens, and Roy Cove, most of which are linked by road and also have airstrips and harbours. In 1986, the population was 265, in 2001, it had fallen to 144 and rose to 160 in 2016.

Because West Falkland is outside Stanley or RAF Mount Pleasant on East Falkland it is considered part of the "camp", a Falklander term for the area outside the main settlement.

Geography and wildlife

The last known Falkland Island fox was killed on West Falkland

West Falkland is hillier on the side closest to East Falkland. The principal mountain range, the Hornby Hills, runs parallel with Falkland Sound. Mount Adam, the highest hill in the islands, is 700 metres (2,300 ft) above sea level. Formerly it was thought that Mount Robinson at 695 metres (2,280 ft) above sea level was the highest point. However, a later survey found that Mount Adam was higher. At this, the Argentines transferred the name Monte Independencia from Mount Robinson to Mount Adam. The major industry on the island is sheep farming, while it is also known for its penguin and cormorant colonies. Fishing is also popular in the two main rivers, the Warrah and the Chartres.

In the 19th century as today, indigenous land fauna was very scanty. A small wolf, the warrah, the loup-renard of Louis Antoine de Bougainville, is extinct, the last having been seen about 1875 on West Falkland. It is commemorated in the name of one of the island's rivers – the Warrah River – and the settlement of Fox Bay. Some herds of cattle and horses ran wild; but these were introduced by settlers as were the wild hogs, the numerous rabbits and the less common hares. All these have greatly declined in numbers, being profitably replaced by sheep.

The southernmost point of West Falkland is Cape Meredith, and the most south-westerly point is Calm Head. On the southerly side lie high cliffs with an abundance of seabirds. To the west are some white sandy beaches with clean water and rolling sand dunes with tall grass. Set just back from the top of the cliffs is a single wooden hut locally referred to as Uncle Tom's Cabin. The beaches are a habitat for elephant seals and are unpolluted save for the occasional piece of wreckage.

Geology

Most of the layers of West Falkland and its surrounding islands are slightly inclined from the horizontal. This inclination shows different types of rocks in different places. The quartzites of Port Stephens and Stanley are more resistant than the arenaceous sediments of the formation at Fox Bay. The Hornby Mountains, near Falkland Sound have experienced tectonic forces of uplift and folding which has inclined the quartzite beds of Stanley to the vertical.

In West Falkland there are several dykes that cut the rocks of the western islands, but these dykes, unlike the previous ones, are chemically more unstable and have been eroded. The only indications of their existence are the aligned linear depressions. In the margins of these depressions there is evidence of contact baking or hornfels formation adjacent to the once molten basalt dyke.

History

Map of the Falkland Islands

Early explorers reported the remains of canoes on West Falkland but it is unclear whether it was a one way trip, or indeed if the canoes were not swept in from Patagonia.

Captain John Strong of the Welfare made the first recorded landing on either of the main islands (West and East Falkland) on 29 January 1690 at Bold Cove on the other side of the headland from Port Howard. He said:

"Wednesday this morning we weighed and stood unto an harbour on ye west side and there came to ane anchor and sent our boat on shoar for fresh water and did kill abundance of geese and ducks but as far as wood there is none."

Although Strong recorded a lack of wood in the area, driftwood frequently washes up on Falkland beaches. This may be accounted for by the sheltered nature of Bold Cove. Strong named Falkland Sound, which gave its name to all the islands.

While the first recorded landing on the main islands of the Falklands was on West Falkland, it was settled remarkably late. In 1867 there were no settlers on West Falkland. The government issued a proclamation offering leases of grazing stations on very moderate terms and in 1868 all the available land was occupied.

Modern West Falkland is also home to two RAF Remote Radar Heads: Mount Alice, which is near Port Albemarle in the south of the island, and Mount Byron in the north.

In early 2007, the Falkland Islands Government awarded a contract to supply an east–west ferry to Workboat Services Ltd. The service runs between Port Howard and New Haven.

Falklands War

West Falkland saw some activity during the Falklands War in 1982; Fox Bay, Port Howard and Pebble Island were all occupied by Argentine troops during the hostilities and were subjected to occasional shore bombardment and airstrikes by the Royal Navy.

The most significant skirmish on West Falkland was perhaps the skirmish at Many Branch Point, near Port Howard.

Shag Cove saw several Argentine helicopters downed after British Harrier jump jets attacked them. The raid on Pebble Island has gone down in British Special Forces history.

References

  1. "2016 Census Report". Policy and Economic Development Unit, Falkland Islands Government. 2017. Archived from the original on 24 January 2018.
  2. ^ Pichon, Hervé; Rolland, Nicolas; Orlova, Nadège; Lombardo, Stéphane (2002). "D2.1.1 Inventory Report". European Coastal Erosion database. European Commission. p. 122. Retrieved 6 October 2012.
  3. "2016 Census Report". Policy and Economic Development Unit, Falkland Islands Government. 2017. Archived from the original on 24 January 2018.
  4. ^  One or more of the preceding sentences incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Falkland Islands". Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 10 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 151–152.
  5. "Falklands.info Geography". web page. Retrieved 24 July 2010.
  6. "The Toponymy of the Falkland Islands as recorded on maps and in gazetteers (Para 14)". Permanent Committee on Geographic Names (Crown Copyright). 2006. Retrieved 5 March 2010.
  7. "RAF Today" (PDF). Ministry of Defence. February 2004. Retrieved 24 July 2010.
  8. "Workboat Services Ltd (Home page)". Retrieved 3 May 2010.

External links

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Capital: Port Stanley
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