Most parts of the Antarctica are claimed by various nations. But a minor part, Marie Byrd Land and a part of Ellsworth land, is not claimed by anyone. Why is that?

zbeckabee

Because they are so remote. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie_Byrd_Land http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellsworth_Land Jan 05 07, 6:46 PM

author

Marie Byrd Land was not discovered until 1929 by American explorer Richard E.Byrd. Does this late discovery has anything to do with it? I would think that even the most remote land would be claimed. Jan 05 07, 6:54 PM

author

I think zbeckabee right: The reason is probable the remoteness and not the late discovery. After all claims have been made after 1929 - for example Chilean Antarctica (1940) and Argentine Antarctica (1943). The first claimed area seems to be the British Antarctic Territory (1908). Jan 05 07, 7:03 PM

What-A-Mess

Currently there are seven claimant nations who maintain a territorial claim on eight territories in Antarctica. These countries have tended to site their scientific observation and study facilities in Antarctica within their claimed territory. * No activities occurring after 1961 can be the basis of a territorial claim. * No new claim can be made. * No claim can be enlarged. http://www.answers.com/topic/antarctic-territorial-claims http://www.answers.com/topic/antarctic-territorial-claims Jan 06 07, 6:03 AM