admiralty range
Admiralty Range: A Spectacular Mountain Group in Antarctica
The Admiralty Range (also known as the Admiralty Mountains) is a large group of high mountains and individually named ranges and ridges in northeastern Victoria Land, Antarctica. This mountain group is bounded by the Ross Sea, the Southern Ocean, and by the Dennistoun, Ebbe, and Tucker glaciers.
The mountain range is situated on the Pennell Coast, a portion of Antarctica lying between Cape Williams and Cape Adare. It was discovered in January 1841 by Captain James Ross, who named them for the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty under whose orders he served. The Admiralty Range is divided into the Dunedin Range, Homerun Range, and Lyttelton Range.
Mountains and Peaks
This range includes the following mountains and peaks:
- Mount Minto: The highest peak in the range, with an elevation of 4,165 m (13,665 ft). It is located 71°47′S 168°45′E / \uFEFF 71.783°S 168.750°E \uFEFF / -71.783; 168.750.
- Mount Adam: A prominent mountain situated 4 km (2.5 mi) WNW of Mount Minto, with an elevation of 4,010 m (13,156 ft). It is located 71°47′S 168°37′E / \uFEFF 71.783°S 168.617°E \uFEFF / -71.783; 168.617. It was named by Captain Ross for Vice Admiral Sir Charles Adam, a senior naval lord of the Admiralty.
- Mount Ajax: A pyramidal mountain rising from the divide between Fitch Glacier and Man-o-War Glacier, with an elevation of 3,770 m (12,369 ft). It is located 71°48′S 168°27′E / \uFEFF 71.800°S 168.450°E \uFEFF / -71.800; 168.450. It was named by the New Zealand Geological Survey Antarctic Expedition (NZGSAE), 1957–58, after HMNZS Ajax.
- Mount Sabine: A sharply pointed mountain at the western side of the head of Murray Glacier, with an elevation of 3,720 m (12,205 ft). It is located 71°55′S 169°33′E / \uFEFF 71.917°S 169.550°E \uFEFF / -71.917; 169.550.
- Mount Royalist: A mountain rising 1.5 km (1 mi) WSW of Mount Ajax, with an elevation of 3,640 m (11,942 ft). It is located 71°47′S 168°30′E / \uFEFF 71.783°S 168.500°E \uFEFF / -71.783; 168.500. It was named by NZGSAE after HMNZS Royalist .
- Mount Bevin: A prominent sharply pointed mountain at the western side of the head of Murray Glacier, with an elevation of 3,490 m (11,450 ft). It is located 71°54′S 169°27′E / \uFEFF 71.900°S 169.450°E \uFEFF / -71.900; 169.450. It was named by NZGSAE after Ernest Bevin , British Foreign Secretary at the time of the expedition .
- Mount Black Prince: A mountain standing at the head of Black Prince Glacier , with an elevation of 3,405 m (11,171 ft). It is located
<Climate and Exploration
The climate of the Admiralty Range is influenced by its location in Antarctica, the world’s coldest and windiest continent. The average annual temperature is below freezing, and the range experiences long periods of darkness and daylight depending on the season. The range is also subject to frequent storms and blizzards that can create hazardous conditions for exploration and navigation.
The Admiralty Range has been explored by various expeditions since its discovery in 1841. Some of the notable explorers include Robert Falcon Scott, Ernest Shackleton, Richard E. Byrd, and Edmund Hillary. The range also hosts several research stations and bases, such as Cape Hallett Station, Cape Adare Station, and Scott Base.
The Admiralty Range is a spectacular mountain group that offers a unique opportunity for scientific research and adventure in Antarctica. It is also a valuable source of marine geospatial data that can support the development of the blue economy, which refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ocean ecosystem health.
References
- Admiralty Mountains – Wikipedia
- Ocean Passages for the World (NP136) – ADMIRALTY
- UKHO launches new innovation programme to support development of the blue economy
