Much of it is covered by ice, including 14 major glaciers which descend from Big Ben to the sea.

A smaller volcanic headland, the Laurens Peninsula, extends about 10 km (6 mi) to the northwest, created by a separate volcano, Mount Dixon; its highest point is Anzac Peak, at 715 m (2,346 ft).

[7] A further eruption was reported on 2 February 2016, and was recorded by scientists who happened to be in the area on an expedition.

Big Ben does not endanger humans because Heard Island is uninhabited.

[8] Big Ben is in a remote location, and without regular observation it is possible that eruptions have occurred at other times.