|a region in Antarctica south of Australia, on the Indian Ocean|
|a fool or simpleton; ninny.| |a gadget; dingus; thingumbob.|
region in Antarctica, bordering the Indian Ocean between Queen
Mary and George V coasts (100-14220' E). The region is almost
entirely covered by the East Antarctic Ice Sheet (EAIS),
averaging from 6,000 to 9,500 feet (1,800 to 2,900 metres) above
sea level. First sighted (1838-42) by the U.S. naval commander
Charles Wilkes, for whom the land is named, it was not explored
until the late 1940s. Included in the region are the coasts of
Clarie, Banzare, Sabrina, Budd, and Knox, which are all claimed
by Australia; and Adelie Coast, which is claimed by France.
Australia and France maintain stations along the Wilkes Land
coasts. A local ice cap, the Law Dome, is partially attached to
the ice sheet and has been heavily studied by Australian
glaciologists. Learn more about Wilkes Land with a free trial on
Britannica.com.