Gubesh Peak facts for kids
Gubesh Peak (Bulgarian: връх Губеш, romanized: vrah Gubesh) is a mountain peak in Antarctica. It stands tall at 1,240 meters (about 4,068 feet) above sea level. This peak is part of the Flowers Hills, which are found in the Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains.
Gubesh Peak is an important landmark in this icy region. It rises above the Rutford Ice Stream to its east. To the west, it overlooks the Sikera Valley. The peak gets its name from a place called Gubesh, a settlement located in Western Bulgaria.
Where is Gubesh Peak?
Gubesh Peak is located in a very remote part of Antarctica. Its exact coordinates are 78°27′24″S 84°09′58″W / 78.45667°S 84.16611°W. This means it is in the southern hemisphere, far to the south.
The peak is surrounded by other interesting geographical features:
- It is about 11.29 kilometers (7 miles) east-northeast of Mount Havener.
- It lies about 13.95 kilometers (8.7 miles) south-southeast of Dickey Peak.
- It is around 13.4 kilometers (8.3 miles) northwest of Batil Spur.
- It is also about 8.31 kilometers (5.2 miles) northeast of Taylor Spur in Doyran Heights.
Scientists and mapmakers from the United States first mapped this area in 1961. These maps were later updated in 1988 to be even more accurate.
Exploring the Ellsworth Mountains
Gubesh Peak is part of the Ellsworth Mountains, which are the highest mountain range in Antarctica. This range includes Mount Vinson, the tallest mountain on the entire continent. The Ellsworth Mountains are a major feature of West Antarctica. They stretch for about 360 kilometers (224 miles) and are about 48 kilometers (30 miles) wide.
The mountains are mostly made of sedimentary rocks. These rocks were formed from layers of sand and mud that built up over millions of years. The area is covered in thick ice and snow, making it a challenging but fascinating place for explorers and scientists.
Antarctica: A Continent of Ice
Antarctica is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent on Earth. It is almost entirely covered by a thick ice sheet. This ice sheet holds about 90% of the world's fresh water. Because of its extreme conditions, very few plants or animals can survive on the land itself. However, the surrounding ocean is full of life, including penguins, seals, and whales.
Scientists from many countries, including Bulgaria, conduct research in Antarctica. They study climate change, geology, and the unique wildlife of the region. Naming features like Gubesh Peak helps to honor the contributions of different nations to Antarctic exploration and science.
