Mount Van der Hoeven facts for kids
Mount Van der Hoeven (71°54′S 161°25′E / 71.900°S 161.417°E) is a tall mountain in the icy land of Antarctica. It stands 1,940 meters (about 6,365 feet) high. This mountain is found on the north side of a place called Boggs Valley, right in the middle of the Helliwell Hills.
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Mount Van der Hoeven: An Antarctic Peak
This impressive peak was first mapped by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the United States Navy between 1960 and 1963. They used special surveys and air photos taken from planes to create detailed maps of the area.
Who Was Frans Van der Hoeven?
Mount Van der Hoeven was named by the Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names (US-ACAN). They chose to honor Frans G. Van der Hoeven. He was a very important scientist called a seismologist, which means he studied earthquakes and the inside of the Earth. Frans Van der Hoeven also led a big scientific trip in Antarctica.
The Victoria Land Expedition
Frans Van der Hoeven led a major expedition called the United States Antarctic Research Program (USARP)-sponsored Victoria Land Traverse. This long journey happened in 1959–60.
A Long Journey Across the Ice
The team traveled about 1,530 miles (2,460 kilometers) across the ice. They used special vehicles called Tucker Sno-Cats, which are designed to move easily over snow and ice. Their trip was all about studying the land and collecting seismic data, which helps scientists understand the Earth's structure.
The journey started at Hut Point Peninsula on Ross Island. From there, they climbed up to the high, flat area known as the plateau of Victoria Land, going past the Skelton Glacier. They then traveled northwest across the inner plateau to 71°09′S 139°12′E / 71.150°S 139.200°E.
Mapping Antarctica's Secrets
After reaching their farthest point, the team turned eastward. They stayed south of the 72nd parallel, traveling to 72°37′S 161°32′E / 72.617°S 161.533°E, which is on the east side of the Outback Nunataks. At this point, planes from the U.S. Navy Squadron VX-6 picked them up and took them home. This expedition helped scientists learn a lot about this remote part of Antarctica.
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