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 volcanic summit of the Big Ben massif on Heard Island, an external Australian territory in the Indian Ocean.
With an elevation of 2,745 metres (9,006 ft), it is the third highest peak in any state or territory of Australia, higher than the 2,228-metre (7,310 ft) Mount Kosciuszko, and surpassed only by the 3,490-metre (11,450 ft) Mount McClintock and the 3,355-metre (11,007 ft) Mount Menzies claimed in the Australian Antarctic Territory. The peak erupted as recently as April 2013 and February 2016.
Discovery and naming
Mawson Peak was named by the 1948 ANARE Heard Island Expedition after the Australian geologist and explorer Sir Douglas Mawson, the leader of BANZARE 1929–31, who visited the island in November – December 1929.
On 20 February 1950, whilst aboard HMAS Lebuan, Thomas Gratton (Tim) Young OAM observed and recorded in the ship's log that Mawson Peak was an active volcano.
The 1964–65 expedition to Heard Island was led by Major Warwick Deacock, with the schooner Patanela skippered by Major Bill Tilman. They succeeded in climbing Mawson Peak for the first time, which is the highest point on this remote island.
See also
In Spanish: Pico Mawson para niños
