Vol XI, No. 1 - Winter 2003
Contents |
In Focus |
Mapmaking |
Geonews |
Profile |
Relay for Life |
Employee
In recent weeks earthquakes and volcanic ash from Mt. Etna have rocked the island of Sicily. Many have been affected by the volcano, but could this lead to an international dispute?
The area in and around Italy is noted for its dynamic earth. Earthquakes range far and wide. Volcanoes, such as Mt. Etna and Vesuvius, have erupted for centuries. Off the southern shore of Sicily, these phenomena have not gone unnoticed. In 1831, a sub-sea volcano erupted forming an island 200 feet high and 2.5 miles in circumference. A British sea captain sailing nearby watched the event...and set foot on the landmass, claiming it for the United Kingdom. He erected a flag in the name of the king, naming the island Graham, after the First Lord of the Admiralty. This did not go unnoticed. Sicily, then the Bourbon Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, Spain, and France also laid claim. In fact, the Spanish named the island Ferdinandea, after King Ferdinand II.
Of course, this lead to a diplomatic row since these international powers were vying to gain advantage over one another. But, as quickly as the volcano appeared, the island disappeared after a six-month existence. Today, the Graham/Ferdinandea seamount lies 26 feet below the Mediterranean Sea surface. But, it is again alive and fuming!
If an island again results, who will own it? It's outside of Italy's 12-mile territorial waters, but can they claim sovereignty? What about the UK... finders...keepers? Or maybe the House of Bourbon will return to its former glory! Even more so, is this a new island or just a re-emergence of the 1831 landmass? Assuming there is not a 19th century title to the land, who can lay claim to it? Maybe you can if you set foot on it first!
- Tim Carter
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