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Craddock Massif and Vinson Massif remeasured

Open-File Report 2007-1047-SRP-069
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20071047SRP069

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Abstract

The highest peak in Antarctica, the Vinson Massif (78º35’S, 85º25’W), is at an elevation of 4892 m (16,046 ft), as determined in 2004. Measurements of the elevation have fluctuated over the years, from its earliest surveyed elevation of 5140 m (16,859 ft), to its present height. Vinson Massif and three of its near neighbors in the Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains are the highest peaks in Antarctica, making them a favorite objective of mountaineers. Well over 1,100 people have climbed Vinson since the first ascent by a team in the 1966-67 austral summer. The range is composed of Crashsite quartzite, making the Sentinel’s very resistant to erosion. Very accurate elevations have been achieved annually by GPS mapping done by a climbing team sponsored by the Omega Foundation, active in Antarctica since 1998. The Craddock Massif now includes Mt. Craddock, the ninth highest peak in Antarctica, at 4368 m (14,327 ft). Both are named for Campbell Craddock*, a U.S. geologist active in Antarctic research beginning in 1959-60.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Craddock Massif and Vinson Massif remeasured
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2007-1047-SRP-069
DOI 10.3133/ofr20071047SRP069
Year Published 2007
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Description 3 p.
Larger Work Type Report
Larger Work Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Larger Work Title Antarctica: A Keystone in a Changing World--Online Proceedings for the Tenth International Symposium on Antarctic Earth Sciences. Santa Barbara, California, U.S.A.--August 26 to September 1, 2007
Other Geospatial Antarctica;Craddock Massif;Vinson Massif
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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