Xerxes Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Xerxes Peak |
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| Mount Xerxes | |
Xerxes Peak seen from Fryatt Valley
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,970 m (9,740 ft) |
| Prominence | 320 m (1,050 ft) |
| Parent peak | Karpathos Peak (Mount Olympus) (2987 m) |
| Listing | Mountains of Alberta |
| Geography | |
 Xerxes Peak
Location in Alberta
Xerxes Peak
Location in Canada
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| Location | Alberta, Canada |
| Parent range | Canadian Rockies |
| Topo map | NTS 83C/05 |
| Type of rock | Sedimentary |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1936 by Mr. and Mrs. A.W. Kramer, and A. McKay |
| Easiest route | Mountaineering |
Xerxes Peak, also known as Mount Xerxes, is a tall mountain in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. It stands 2,970-metre (9,740 ft) high. This peak is part of the amazing Canadian Rockies mountain range. It is located near the Athabasca River valley.
Xerxes Peak sits on a high ridge with other mountains like Mount Christie and Brussels Peak. The mountain does not have an official name yet.
Mountain History
This mountain was named in 1936. It got its name from two famous kings of ancient Persia, Xerxes I and Xerxes II. These kings ruled a very large empire many years ago.
The first time people successfully climbed to the top of Xerxes Peak was also in 1936. The climbers were Mr. and Mrs. A.W. Kramer, along with A. McKay.
About the Rocks
Xerxes Peak is made of a type of rock called sedimentary rock. This kind of rock forms over a very long time from layers of sand, mud, and tiny bits of plants and animals. These layers were laid down from the Precambrian to Jurassic periods. Later, powerful forces pushed these rocks up to form the mountain.
Weather and Climate
The weather at Xerxes Peak is usually very cold. It has long, snowy winters and short, mild summers. This type of weather is called a subarctic climate.
Temperatures can drop below -20°C (which is -4°F). With the wind, it can feel even colder, sometimes below -30°C (-22°F). The snow and ice from the peak melt and flow into Fryatt Creek and Lick Creek. These creeks then join the larger Athabasca River.
Images for kids
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Xerxes Peak
