Pensacola Mountains
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The Pensacola Mountains are a large mountain range in Antarctica, located in the southern part of the continent. They extend for about 450 kilometers (280 miles) and are made up of several smaller mountain groups and nunataks (mountain peaks that stick out of the ice sheet). Its highest mountain is England Peak.[1]
Geography and Features
[change | change source]The range is located where the Filchner–Ronne Ice Shelf meets the continent. The mountains are mostly buried under the ice, but their peaks and ridges are visible and were important for early explorers and scientists.
The Pensacola Mountains are divided into three main parts:
- The Neptune Range
- The Patriot Hills
- The Forlidas Hills
Exploration and Research
[change | change source]The mountains were first sighted by a U.S. Navy expedition in 1956. They were named after Pensacola, Florida, the home of Naval Air Station Pensacola.
The range is a valuable site for geological studies. Scientists have found fossils and studied the rock formations to learn about Antarctica's ancient history and how the continents have moved over millions of years.
References
[change | change source]- ↑ "Pensacola Mountains". Peakbagger. Retrieved 23 May 2017.