Selwyn Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Selwyn Mountains |
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 Location in Yukon
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Keele Peak |
| Elevation | 2,952 m (9,685 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Country | Canada |
| Range coordinates | 62°51′07″N 130°08′58″W / 62.85194°N 130.14944°W |
The Selwyn Mountains are a large mountain range located in northern Canada. They help form the border between the Yukon Territory and the Northwest Territories. These mountains are part of a huge system of mountain ranges called the North American Cordillera. This big system stretches across North America.
About the Selwyn Mountains
The Selwyn Mountains are an important part of Canada's geography. They are known for their rugged beauty and wild landscapes. The highest point in the range is Keele Peak, which stands at 2,952 meters (9,685 feet) tall.
Where are the Selwyn Mountains?
To the east of the Selwyn Mountains, you'll find the Mackenzie Mountains. To their northwest, there's another range called the Brooks Range. On their southwest side, you'll see the Yukon Plateau, which is a high, flat area.
A lower part of the Selwyns also reaches south into British Columbia. This area is known as the Liard Plateau. Sometimes, people think the Selwyns and Mackenzies are part of the Rocky Mountains. However, the official Rocky Mountains are only found south of the Liard River and the plateau.
Who was Alfred Selwyn?
The Selwyn Mountains were named after a very important person named Alfred Richard Cecil Selwyn. He was a famous geologist. Geologists are scientists who study the Earth's rocks and how they were formed.
Alfred Selwyn was the director of the Geological Survey of Victoria from 1852 to 1869. Later, he became the director of the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) from 1869 to 1894. He also served as the President of the Royal Society of Canada from 1895 to 1896. Naming the mountains after him was a way to honor his contributions to geology in Canada.
