Wachusett Reef was a phantom reef in the Antarctic Ocean.
| Wachusett Reef | |
|---|---|
 Wachusett Reef on 1921 Pacific map | |
| In-universe information | |
| Type | Phantom island |
Captain Lambert of the ship Wachusett reported that on June 4, 1899 he passed over a reef which appeared to be of coral formation in approximately latitude 32°18′S 151°08′W / 32.300°S 151.133°W. The reef appeared to be about 500 feet (150 m) wide. The bottom showed of a dark gray color with deep blue on both sides of the reef. The depth was estimated at from 5 to 6 fathoms (30 to 36 ft; 9.1 to 11.0 m); unfortunately no soundings were taken.[1]
The 2015 edition of the National Geographic Atlas of the World still shows Wachusett Reef, with a depth of 9 metres (30 ft).[2] Nevertheless, its existence is doubtful, making it a phantom reef. Other nearby historically reported reefs which appear to not exist include Ernest Legouve Reef, Jupiter Reef, and Maria Theresa Reef.
Notes edit
- ^ United States Hydrographic Office (1916). Pacific Islands Pilot, v. 2. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office. p. 56. Retrieved 2011-09-26.
- ^ National Geographic Atlas of the World (10th ed.). Washington, D.C.: National Geographic. 2015. p. plate 109. ISBN 978-1-4262-1354-0.
References edit
This article incorporates text from Pacific Islands Pilot, v. 2, a publication from 1916, now in the public domain in the United States.
- Eade, J.V. (1976). Geological notes on the Southwest Pacific Basin in the area of Wachusett Reef and Maria Theresa Reef. Wellington: New Zealand Oceanographic Institute.