High Peaks in the Antarctic

In a previous note* we questioned the existence of 15,000-ft. peaks in the Antarctic. Perusal of recently issued reports contained in Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, 1940 (Vol. 82, No. 5) contain the following: On p. 804 under Fig. 2, it states: “Mt. Nansen rises to a height of nearly 15,000 ft. above sea-level.” On p. 838 a profile indicates Mt. Fridtjof Nan sen as 4010 meters (approximately 13,175 ft.). In another section of the same profile is shown a Mt. Kilpatrick (4450 m.) which is about 14,600 ft.

Again in the Proceedings for 1945 (Vol. 89, No. 1) on the “Reports on Scientific Results of the United States Antarctic Service Expedition, 1939-1941” (Admiral Byrd’s third Antarctic expedition) one finds the following: On p. 44 is stated: “… could be seen a huge mountain near the coast. Later intersections indicated that this mountain, named Mount Ruth Siple, was at least 150 miles away at the time of observation. Its location was determined as in the vicinity of latitude 73° 15' S., longitude 122° 30' W., and its elevation was estimated at close to 15,000 ft. In appearance it was very similar to Mount Erebus, being conical in form, but with a rounded dome.” On p. 31 there is an air picture from 6000 ft., showing the Barrier in the foreground, and Mt. Siple in the far distance.

Also in the same 1945 report on p. 52 are two photographs which together make a panorama. The central point is a Mt. Bush, perhaps 50 miles from the plane which was flying at 9500 ft. In the text is the statement: “After we crossed the 82nd parallel near longitude 175° W., the lofty peaks of the Austral Cordillera became dimly visible 150 miles to the S. The most outstanding landmark was a huge mountain, due S., which later proved to be Mount Bush. Situated to the N. of most of the range, this gigantic peak apparently rises to an altitude of 15,000 ft., for it was never out of view during the next four hours of flying.”

Peaks estimated at over 12.000 ft. were also seen from the air in the southern part of Palmer Peninsula in roughly 65° W. longitude and 73° S. latitude.

Large segments of the Antarctic continent are still entirely un known.

H. S. H., Jr.

*A.A.J., iv, 146-7.