2012 Ross Dependency Definitives

Originating at the geographic South Pole, the Ross Dependency is constitutionally part of New Zealand. Its vast landscapes make humanity seem insignificant and reinforce nature's powerful beauty. The five Definitive stamps in this issue reflect the distinctive scenery and historic significance of this remote region.

Individual Stamps:

70c - Mount Erebus

The world's southernmost active volcano, Mount Erebus is the largest of four that form Ross Island, the highest volcano in the Ross Dependency and the second highest volcano in Antarctica. This impressive volcano was discovered and named by James Clark Ross in 1841.

$1.40 - Beardmore Glacier

One of the largest glaciers in the world, exceeding 160 kilometres in length, the Beardmore Glacier descends from the south polar region of the Antarctic Plateau to the Ross Ice Shelf, dividing the Transantarctic Mountains. Ernest Shackleton's 1908 expedition discovered and climbed the glacier. 

$1.90 - Lake Vanda

With salinity more than 10 times that of seawater, Lake Vanda is one of the world's most hyper-saline lakes. It is permanently covered with three to five metres of transparent ice, is five kilometres long and has a maximum depth of 69 metres. 

$2.40 - Cape Adare

Separating the Ross Sea to the east and the Southern Ocean to the west, Cape Adare is the north-easternmost peninsula in the Ross Dependency and East Antarctica. It is also the site of the largest Adélie penguin rookery in the world. 

$2.90 - Ross Ice Shelf

The Ross Ice Shelf is the largest ice shelf in the world. It consists of a thick plate of ice fed continuously by glaciers, and much of it remains frozen all year round. The shelf was named after James Clark Ross, who discovered it in 1841.

Picturesque Collectables of the Ross Dependency

The set of five stamps is complemented by a miniature sheet and two first day covers. The miniature sheet depicts James Clark Ross - the first man to reach the North Magnetic Pole. On attempting to find the South Magnetic Pole, he discovered Victoria Land, the Ross Sea and the Ross Ice Shelf.

The first day cover features a satellite image of the edge of the Ross Ice Shelf in summer. Ross Island is on the left, and below Mount Erebus sits New Zealand's Scott Base. To the front right of the island is Iceberg B-15 - the largest iceberg ever recorded.