Mount Vaughan facts for kids
Mount Vaughan is a tall mountain peak in Antarctica. It stands 3,140 meters (about 10,300 feet) high. This impressive peak is located in the Hays Mountains, which are part of the larger Queen Maud Mountains.
Contents
About Mount Vaughan
Mount Vaughan is found about 6 kilometers (4 miles) south-southwest of another peak called Mount Griffith. It sits on a ridge at the very top of the Vaughan Glacier. This area is known for its rugged and icy landscape, typical of the Antarctic continent.
How Mount Vaughan Got Its Name
The mountain was named after Norman D. Vaughan. He was an important member of the Byrd Antarctic Expedition in 1929. Norman Vaughan was a "dog driver," meaning he helped lead dog sled teams. He worked with the geological party, a group of scientists who studied rocks and landforms. This party, led by Laurence McKinley Gould, explored the mountains in this area in December 1929.
A Change in Name
When the maps from the 1928–30 Byrd Antarctic Expedition were first made, the name Mount Vaughan was given to a different, smaller part of Mount Goodale. However, the Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names (US-ACAN) later changed this. They decided to use the name Mount Vaughan for this larger, more prominent peak. This new location is about 24 kilometers (15 miles) southeast of where it was first placed on the map.
Norman Vaughan's Special Climb
Norman Vaughan himself made a special trip to the mountain named after him. On December 16, 1994, he took his first step on Mount Vaughan. This was just three days before his 89th birthday! It was a remarkable achievement for someone of his age.
