Independence Hills facts for kids
The Independence Hills are a group of tough, rocky hills and peaks in Antarctica. They stretch for about 10 miles (16 kilometers) and have mostly bare rock on their eastern sides. These hills are located about 3 miles (5 kilometers) southeast of the Marble Hills. They also form the southern part of the western wall of Horseshoe Valley. The Independence Hills are part of a larger area called the Heritage Range.
Scientists from the United States Geological Survey and the United States Navy mapped these hills between 1961 and 1966. They used surveys done on the ground and photos taken from airplanes. The name "Independence Hills" was given by the Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names. This name was chosen because it connects to the name "Heritage Range," where the hills are found.
Contents
Exploring the Independence Hills
The Independence Hills are a wild and remote place in Antarctica. They are known for their rugged landscape and bare rock surfaces. This area is very cold and windy, making it a challenging environment.
Location and Surroundings
The Independence Hills are a key part of the Heritage Range. This range is a large group of mountains and hills in the Ellsworth Mountains of West Antarctica. The hills help form the edge of Horseshoe Valley, which is a significant feature in the region.
How the Hills Were Discovered and Named
Mapping Antarctica is a huge task, and the Independence Hills were carefully surveyed. The United States Geological Survey is a government agency that studies the Earth. They worked with the United States Navy to create detailed maps of this area. Air photos were very important for this work, allowing them to see the landscape from above.
The Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names is responsible for naming places in Antarctica. They chose the name "Independence Hills" to go along with the "Heritage Range." This helps explorers and scientists easily identify different parts of the vast Antarctic continent.
Key Features of the Area
The region around the Independence Hills includes several other interesting geographical features. These places are often explored and studied by scientists working in Antarctica.
- Marble Hills
- Horseshoe Valley
- Morris Cliff
- Mount Geissel
- Mount Shattuck
- Mount Simmons
- Patriot Hills
- Redpath Peaks
