Mawson Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mawson Peak |
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Satellite image of the southern tip of Heard Island. Cape Arkona is seen on the left side of the image, with Lied Glacier just above and Gotley Glacier just below. Big Ben Volcano and Mawson Peak are seen at the lower right side of the image.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,745 m (9,006 ft) |
| Prominence | 2,745 m (9,006 ft) |
| Listing | Country high point |
| Geography | |
 Mawson Peak
Location in Indian Ocean
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| Location | Heard Island, Australia |
| Parent range | Big Ben |
| Topo map | RAN Heard Island 291 |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Volcanic cone |
| Last eruption | 2012 to 2018 (ongoing) |
Mawson Peak is an active volcano found on Heard Island, a small Australian territory in the Indian Ocean. It is part of a larger mountain called Big Ben.
This peak is very tall, reaching 2,745 metres (9,006 ft) high. It is the third highest point in any Australian state or territory. Mawson Peak is taller than Mount Kosciuszko, which is 2,228-metre (7,310 ft) high. Only Mount McClintock (3,490-metre (11,450 ft)) and Mount Menzies (3,355-metre (11,007 ft)) in the Australian Antarctic Territory are taller. Mawson Peak has erupted recently, including in April 2013 and February 2016.
Who is Mawson Peak named after?
Mawson Peak was named by the 1948 ANARE Heard Island Expedition. They named it after Sir Douglas Mawson. He was an Australian geologist and explorer. Sir Douglas Mawson led the BANZARE from 1929 to 1931. He visited Heard Island in late 1929.
On February 20, 1950, Thomas Gratton (Tim) Young saw Mawson Peak erupting. He wrote about it in the ship's log while on HMAS Lebuan.
The first time anyone climbed Mawson Peak was during the 1964–65 expedition to Heard Island. Major Warwick Deacock led this trip. The schooner Patanela, captained by Major Bill Tilman, helped them reach the island. They successfully climbed to the highest point on this distant island.
See also
In Spanish: Pico Mawson para niños
