Vinson Massif facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Vinson Massif |
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NASA image of Vinson Massif from space
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Highest point | |
Elevation | 4,892 m (16,050 ft) |
Prominence | 4,892 m (16,050 ft) Ranked 8th |
Listing | Seven summits Ultra |
Geography | |
Location | Antarctica |
State/Province | AQ |
Parent range | Sentinel Range |
Climbing | |
First ascent | 1966 by Nicholas Clinch and party |
Easiest route | snow/ice climb |
Vinson Massif is the highest mountain of Antarctica. It is in the Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains. The massif is about 1,200 kilometres (750 mi) from the South Pole. It is about 21 km (13 mi) long and 13 km (8.1 mi) wide. At 4,892 metres (16,050 ft) the highest point is Mount Vinson. It was named in 2006 after Carl Vinson, long-time member of the U.S. Congress from the state of Georgia.
Vinson Massif was first seen in 1958 and first climbed in 1966.
Though the yearly snowfall on Vinson is low, high winds can cause base camp accumulations up to 46 centimetres (18 in) in a year. During the summer season, November through January, there are 24 hours of sunlight. The average temperature during these months is −30 °C (−20 °F).
Images for kids
See also
In Spanish: Macizo Vinson para niños