Amherst Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Amherst Peak |
|
|---|---|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 4,777 ft (1,456 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Juneau, Alaska, United States |
| Parent range | Boundary Ranges |
| Topo map | USGS Juneau C-2 |
Amherst Peak is a cool mountain located in Juneau, Alaska, in the United States. It's part of a big group of mountains called the Boundary Ranges, which are themselves part of the larger Coast Mountains in western North America. This peak stands near the amazing Taku Glacier and is about 14 miles (23 km) north of the city of Juneau. It's also about 0.2 miles (0.32 km) northwest of a spot called Echo Pass.
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What is Amherst Peak?
Amherst Peak is a mountain that reaches an elevation of 4,777 feet (which is about 1,456 meters) above sea level. Mountains like Amherst Peak are natural landforms that rise high above the surrounding land. They are often formed by powerful forces deep within the Earth, like when huge tectonic plates crash into each other.
Where is Amherst Peak Located?
Amherst Peak is found in the city and borough of Juneau, Alaska. Juneau is the capital city of Alaska and is known for its stunning natural beauty, including glaciers and mountains. The peak is part of the Boundary Ranges, which are a sub-range of the Coast Mountains. These mountains stretch along the Pacific coast of North America, from British Columbia in Canada down into Alaska.
Nearby Natural Wonders
One of the most famous natural features near Amherst Peak is the Taku Glacier. Glaciers are like giant, slow-moving rivers of ice. The Taku Glacier is one of the largest and deepest glaciers flowing from the Juneau Icefield. It's a truly impressive sight and shows how powerful nature can be.
How Mountains Get Their Names
The name "Amherst Peak" was first written down and shared by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in 1960. The USGS is a science agency in the U.S. government that studies the Earth. One of their jobs is to map the land and give names to natural features like mountains, rivers, and lakes.
The USGS and Geographic Names
Between 1976 and 1981, the USGS officially collected information about Amherst Peak. On March 31, 1981, the mountain's name was added to the Survey's Geographic Names Information System. This system is like a huge database that keeps track of all the official names of places in the United States. It helps everyone use the same names for locations, which is very important for maps and communication.
