Canada Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Canada Peak |
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 1,350 m (4,430 ft) |
Geography | |
Location | Taylor Valley , Victoria Land, Antarctica |
Parent range | Canada Glacier |
Canada Peak is a tall, pointed mountain in a very cold place called Antarctica. It stands on the edge of a large ice river, or glacier, called Canada Glacier. This peak is part of a special area known as Victoria Land.
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What is Canada Peak?
Canada Peak is a mountain that reaches up to 1,350 meters (about 4,429 feet) high. It's a sharp peak, meaning it has a pointed top. It sits on the western side of the Canada Glacier. This glacier slowly moves down into a large, ice-free area called Taylor Valley.
Where is Canada Peak Located?
Canada Peak is found in Victoria Land, which is a big part of Antarctica. Antarctica is the coldest continent on Earth, covered mostly by ice. Victoria Land is on the eastern side of Antarctica.
Taylor Valley and Canada Glacier
Canada Peak is right next to Taylor Valley. This valley is one of the famous McMurdo Dry Valleys. These valleys are very unusual because they have almost no ice or snow. They are some of the driest places on Earth! The Canada Glacier flows from higher ground and ends right where Taylor Valley begins. Canada Peak stands guard over this meeting point.
How Did Canada Peak Get Its Name?
Canada Peak was officially named in 1998. It was named by the New Zealand Geographic Board. This board is responsible for naming places in areas where New Zealand has a special interest, like parts of Antarctica.
Why "Canada"?
The peak was named "Canada Peak" because it is very close to the Canada Glacier. It makes sense to give nearby features similar names. This helps explorers and scientists easily identify places on maps. The Canada Glacier itself was named earlier, in 1957, by a team from New Zealand during an expedition. They named the glacier after Canada because of the similar cold, icy landscapes.