Webber Nunatak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Webber Nunatak |
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Aerial view of the southern Hudson Mountains, with Webber Nunatak in the left foreground.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 495 m (1,624 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Webber Nunatak
Location in Antarctica
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| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Volcanic cone |
Webber Nunatak is a unique landform in Antarctica. It is a type of mountain peak called a nunatak, which means it sticks out above a glacier or ice sheet. This nunatak is 495 meters (about 1,624 feet) tall. You can find it about 11 kilometers (6 nautical miles) west of Mount Manthe, within the Hudson Mountains.
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What is a Nunatak?
A nunatak is like an island of rock in a sea of ice. It is a mountain peak that is not covered by the surrounding ice or glacier. These peaks are important because they show us what the land looks like underneath the ice. They can also be home to unique plants and animals that survive in these harsh conditions.
Where is Webber Nunatak Located?
Webber Nunatak is located in Ellsworth Land, a part of West Antarctica. It is specifically found in the Hudson Mountains. This area is very remote and covered mostly by ice. The Hudson Mountains themselves are a group of volcanoes, and Webber Nunatak is one of them.
How Webber Nunatak Was Discovered
Webber Nunatak was first mapped using special air photos. These photos were taken during a big expedition called U.S. Navy Operation Highjump. This operation happened between 1946 and 1947. It was a large mission by the United States Navy to explore and map parts of Antarctica.
Why is it Called Webber Nunatak?
The name "Webber Nunatak" was given in 1967. The Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names (US-ACAN) chose this name. They named it after George E. Webber. He was an electrical engineer who worked at Byrd Station. Byrd Station was an important American research station in Antarctica.
Is Webber Nunatak a Volcano?
Yes, Webber Nunatak is a volcanic cone. This means it is a type of volcano shaped like a cone. It is one of several volcanoes in the Hudson Mountains. Scientists have looked at satellite images that suggest there might have been a volcanic eruption at Webber Nunatak in 1985. However, this eruption has not been officially confirmed by scientists on the ground.
