Cleft Peak (Antarctica) facts for kids
Cleft Peak is a tall mountain located in Antarctica, a frozen continent at the bottom of the world. It is part of the Separation Range and stands right on the coast. This mountain is special because its eastern side has a huge crack, or "fissure," that runs all the way from its top to its base. This unique feature is actually how it got its name!
Cleft Peak is about 1,245 meters (or 4,085 feet) high, which is taller than many famous skyscrapers. It overlooks the end of a large ice river called the Hood Glacier.
How Cleft Peak Got Its Name
Cleft Peak was named by a group of explorers from the New Zealand Alpine Club. They went on an expedition to Antarctica in 1959-1960. Four members of this team were flown to the area near the mountain by a special aircraft team from the U.S. Navy, called Squadron VX-6. They noticed the mountain's distinctive split, and so they named it "Cleft Peak."
About Prospect Spur
Near the bottom of Cleft Peak, on its southwest side, there is a narrow ridge of land called Prospect Spur. This spur slopes down towards the edge of the Hood Glacier.
The New Zealand Alpine Club Antarctic Expedition also named Prospect Spur during their 1959-1960 trip. They called it "Prospect" because they climbed it to get a better view of the Hood Glacier. They wanted to "prospect," or look for, a good route to travel further south.
