Transantarctic Mountains facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Transantarctic Mountains
The Transantarctic Mountains in northern Victoria Land near Cape Roberts
Highest point
Peak	Mount Kirkpatrick
Elevation	4,528 m (14,856 ft)
Dimensions
Length	3,500 km (2,200 mi)
Geography
Continent	Antarctica
Range coordinates	85°S 175°W / 85°S 175°W / -85; -175
Geology
Age of rock	Cenozoic

The Transantarctic Mountains are a huge mountain range in Antarctica. They stretch for over 3,200 kilometers across the continent. This long mountain chain helps divide Antarctica into two main parts: an eastern region and a western region.

The Antarctic Peninsula, which is a long arm of land reaching northwards, is located to the west. However, it is not considered part of the Transantarctic Mountains.

What Are the Transantarctic Mountains?

This impressive mountain range is one of the longest on Earth. It crosses the entire continent of Antarctica. The mountains are mostly covered in ice and snow. They stand tall above the vast ice sheets.

The highest point in the range is Mount Kirkpatrick. It reaches an amazing height of 4,528 meters (14,856 feet). Imagine climbing a mountain that tall!

Life in the Mountains

Even though Antarctica is extremely cold, some life forms can survive here. In the Transantarctic Mountains, life is very limited. You won't find big animals or trees.

Instead, you might find tiny living things like bacteria. There are also lichens, which are a mix of fungi and algae. Small algae and fungi can also grow in certain areas. These tough organisms have adapted to the harsh, icy conditions.

Naming the Range

The name "Transantarctic Mountains" was first used in 1960. It was introduced by a geologist named Warren Hamilton. He wrote about these mountains in a scientific paper. This name helped scientists and explorers talk about this important geographical feature.

Images for kids

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  Map of the Transantarctic Mountains

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  Aerial view of the Dugdale Glacier in 1957