Basecamp Valley
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The Jones Mountains () are an isolated group of mountains, trending generally east–west for , situated on the
Eights Coast Eights Coast is a portion of the coast of West Antarctica, between Cape Waite and Pfrogner Point. To the west is the Walgreen Coast, and to the east is the Bryan Coast. It is part of Ellsworth Land and stretches between 103°24'W and 89°35'W ...
,
Ellsworth Land Ellsworth Land is a portion of the Antarctica, Antarctic continent bounded on the west by Marie Byrd Land, on the north by the Bellingshausen Sea, on the northeast by the base of the Antarctic Peninsula, and on the east by the western margin of t ...
, Antarctica, about south of
Dustin Island Dustin Island () is an island about long, lying southeast of Cape Annawan, Thurston Island. The island forms the southeast limit of Seraph Bay. Location Thurston Island is separated from the mainland by Peacock Sound, which is occupied ...
.


Location

The Jones Mountains lie to the south of the
Eights Coast Eights Coast is a portion of the coast of West Antarctica, between Cape Waite and Pfrogner Point. To the west is the Walgreen Coast, and to the east is the Bryan Coast. It is part of Ellsworth Land and stretches between 103°24'W and 89°35'W ...
, south of the
Abbot Ice Shelf The Abbot Ice Shelf () is an ice shelf long and wide, bordering Eights Coast from Cape Waite to Pfrogner Point in Antarctica. Thurston Island lies along the northern edge of the western half of this ice shelf; other sizable islands (Sherman ...
and southeast of
Thurston Island Thurston Island () is a largely ice-covered, glacially dissected island, long and wide, lying between Amundsen Sea and Bellingshausen Sea a short way off the northwest end of Ellsworth Land, Antarctica. The island is separated from the mainlan ...
. Features of the southern part include, from west to east, Miller Crag, Sutley Peak, Walk Glacier, Forbidden Rocks and Christoffersen Heights. Features of the northern part include, from west to east, Pillsbury Tower, Bonnabeau Dome, Cache Heights, Inspiration Rocks, Gopher Glacier, Anderson Dome and Mount Loweth.


Discovery and naming

The charts of the
United States Antarctic Service The United States Antarctic Program (or USAP; formerly known as the United States Antarctic Research Program or USARP and the United States Antarctic Service or USAS) is an organization of the United States government which has a presence in the ...
(USAS), 1939–41, show mountains in this approximate location and relationship to Dustin and
Thurston Island Thurston Island () is a largely ice-covered, glacially dissected island, long and wide, lying between Amundsen Sea and Bellingshausen Sea a short way off the northwest end of Ellsworth Land, Antarctica. The island is separated from the mainlan ...
s, indicating they were sighted in the flight from the ship ''Bear'', February 27, 1940. The mountains appear in distant air photos taken by
United States Navy The United States Navy (USN) is the naval warfare, maritime military branch, service branch of the United States Department of Defense. It is the world's most powerful navy with the largest Displacement (ship), displacement, at 4.5 millio ...
Operation Highjump Operation HIGHJUMP, officially titled The United States Navy Antarctic Developments Program, 1946–1947, (also called Task Force 68), was a United States Navy (USN) operation to establish the Antarctic research base Little America (exploration b ...
, December 30, 1946, and were observed from United States Navy aircraft by Edward Thiel and J. Campbell Craddock on January 22, 1960. The naming was proposed by Thiel and Craddock after Dr. Thomas O. Jones (1908–93), American chemist; senior
National Science Foundation The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is an Independent agencies of the United States government#Examples of independent agencies, independent agency of the Federal government of the United States, United States federal government that su ...
(NSF) official in charge of the
United States Antarctic Research Program The United States Antarctic Program (or USAP; formerly known as the United States Antarctic Research Program or USARP and the United States Antarctic Service or USAS) is an organization of the United States government which has a presence in the ...
(USARP), 1958–78; Director, Division of Environmental Science, NSF, 1965–69; Deputy Assistant Director for National and International Programs, NSF, 1969–78.


Southern features


Miller Crag

. A bold and conspicuous outcropping of bare rock high, standing west-southwest of Sutley Peak in the west extremity of the Jones Mountains. Mapped by the University of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61, who named it for Thomas P. Miller, geologist with the party.


Sayen Rocks

. Two small rock exposures, visible from northward, situated near the crest of the ice-covered heights between Miller Crag and Sutley Peak. Mapped by the University of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61. Named by the United States
Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names The Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names (ACAN or US-ACAN) is an advisory committee of the United States Board on Geographic Names responsible for recommending commemorative names for features in Antarctica. History The committee was established ...
(US-ACAN) for L.D. Sayen, photographer of United States Navy Squadron VX-6, who took part in photographing the Jones Mountains in January 1961.


Wright Peak

. Small rock Peak high located south of Sutley Peak. Mapped by the University of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61, which named it for Herbert E. Wright, Jr., glacial geologist, University of Minnesota, who was advisor to the party and visited Antarctica in the 1961-62 season.


Sutley Peak

. Rock peak high located just north of Wright Peak and east-northeast of Miller Crag. Mapped by the University of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61. Named by US-ACAN for Lieutenant Commander Robert M. Sutley, United States Navy, Executive Officer of Mobile Construction Battalion One on United States Navy OpDFrz 1962.


Walk Glacier

. A glacier descending westward from Christoffersen Heights, to the south of Forbidden Rocks. Mapped by the University of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61. Named by US-ACAN for Lieutenant Donald R. Walk, United States Navy, medical officer and officer in charge of Byrd Station, 1961.


Farrington Ridge

. An isolated linear ridge, long, with continuous rock exposure along the crest, located north-northwest of Forbidden Rocks. Mapped by the University of MinnesotaJones Mountains Party, 1960-61, who named it for Lieutenant Robert L. Farrington, United States Navy, co-pilot of the LC-47 Dakota aircraft that made the first landing in the Jones Mountains, December 9, 1960.


Christmas Cliffs

. South-facing cliffs with two prominent rock outcrops, located south-southeast of Pillsbury Tower. Mapped by the University of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61, and so named by the party because the cliffs were visited on Christmas Day, 1960.


Prism Ridge

. A small ridge with bare rock outcroppings located just north of Haskell Glacier and south-southwest of Bonnabeau Dome. Mapped and named by the University of Minnesota–Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61. They found a large block of ice in the shape of a square prism standing as an isolated feature at the south end of this ridge.


Haskell Glacier

. A small glacier descending from Christoffersen Heights and draining west between Prism Ridge and Forbidden Rocks. Mapped by the University of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61. Named by US-ACAN for Lieutenant Hugh B. Haskell, United States Navy, co-pilot on a pioneer flight of November 25, 1961 from Byrd Station to establish Sky-High Camp (later Eights Station) at 75°14'S, 77°06'W.


Forbidden Rocks

. Linear rock outcrops, long, located on the west edge of Christoffersen Heights and between Haskell and Walk Glaciers. Mapped by the University of Minnesota–Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61. So named by the party because the rocks were inaccessible from their northwest approach because of crevasse fields.


Christoffersen Heights

. Broad snow-covered heights which form the south-central portion of the Jones Mountains, southward of Bonnabeau and Anderson Domes. Mapped by the University of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61. Named by US-ACAN for Lieutenant Ernest H. Christoffersen, United States Navy Reserve, co-pilot of ski-equipped LC-47 Dakota aircraft on pioneering flights from Byrd Station to the Eights Coast area in November 1961.


Northwest features


Snowplume Peak

. A small pyramidal peak along the north front of the Jones Mountains, located west-southwest of Rightangle Peak and west-southwest of Pillsbury Tower. Mapped by the University of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61. So named by the party because a continual plume of wind-blown snow trails off the peak whenever the wind blows.


Rightangle Peak

. A small rock peak between Snowplume Peak and Camelback Ridge. Mapped by the University of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61. So named by the party because the feature presented a right angle profile facing west when viewed from Camp Minnesota (from northward).


Camelback Ridge

. A short rock ridge with topographic highs of at the ends, located just west of Pemmican Bluff. Mapped by the University of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61, who named it for its humped appearance.


Pemmican Bluff

. A short but prominent bluff with steep rock north face and sloping snow south slope. It overlooks the west side of upper Basecamp Valley just west of Pillsbury Tower. Mapped by the University of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61. So named by this party because the bluff is composed of complex volcanic rocks giving the north face a very mottled appearance similar to the pemmican eaten in the field.


Pillsbury Tower

. A remnant volcanic cone, high, with a shear north-facing rock cliff and a gradual slope at the south side, standing directly at the base of Avalanche Ridge. With its dark rock rising high above the surrounding area, it is clearly the most prominent landmark in these mountains. Mapped by the University of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61, and named by them after Pillsbury Hall which houses the Dept. of Geology at the University of Minnesota.


Intrusive Spur

. A rock spur along the north front of the Jones Mountains, west of Avalanche Ridge. Mapped by the University of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61. So named by the party because the intrusive complex of the basement rocks of the Jones Mountains is well exposed on the spur.


Granite Spur

. A rock spur along the north front of the Jones Mountains, west of Avalanche Ridge. Mapped by the University of MinnesotaJones Mountains Party, 1960-61. So named by the party because the basement granite is well exposed here.


Basecamp Valley

. A small ice-filled valley at the west side of Avalanche Ridge.. Mapped and named by the University of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61, who established a base camp, "Camp Minnesota," just north of the mouth of this valley.


Avalanche Ridge

. A linear rock ridge, long, extending north from Pillsbury Tower and separating Basecamp Valley from Austin Valley, in the Jones Mountains. Mapped by the University of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61, and so named by them because of the continual avalanching of snow off the flanks of the ridge.


Austin Valley

. A small ice-filled valley at the east side of Avalanche Ridge. Mapped by the University of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61. Named by US-ACAN for Jerry W. Austin, aviation machinist's mate of United States Navy Squadron VX-6, a crew member on pioneering flights of LC-47 Dakota aircraft from Byrd Station to the Eights Coast area in November 1961.


Greenstone Point

. High rock spur along the north front of the Jones Mountains, immediately east of Austin Valley. Mapped by the University of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61. So named by the party because of the greenish color of the rock.


Hughes Point

. Steep rock point on the west side of the terminus of Exum Glacier. Mapped by the University of MinnesotaJones Mountains Party, 1960-61, and named by them for Wayne B. Hughes, Assistant USARP Representative at McMurdo Station, 1960-61.


Exum Glacier

. Small glacier flowing north between Hughes Point and Bonnabeau Dome. Mapped by the University of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61. Named by the party for Glenn Exum, mountaineer, who provided training in rock and ice climbing for the University of Minnesota field parties of 1960-61 and 1961-62.


Bonnabeau Dome

. A prominent ice-covered dome mountain rising on the west side of Gopher Glacier, west of similar-appearing Anderson Dome. Mapped by the University of MinnesotaJones Mountains Party, 1960-61. Named by them for Doctor Raymond C. Bonnabeau, Jr., medical doctor with the party.


Northeast features


Cache Heights

. Broad snow-covered heights about long and wide, located just northeast of Bonnabeau Dome. Much lower than Bonnabeau Dome, the heights rise considerably above the adjacent ice surface. Mapped and named by the University of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61. A food cache placed here by the party during a blizzard was never recovered.


Inspiration Rocks

. A group of rock outcrops at the north edge of Cache Heights. Mapped by the University of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61. So named by the party because from these rocks almost the entire Jones Mountains come into view.


Gopher Glacier

. A glacier descending from Christoffersen Heights and draining north between Bonnabeau and Anderson Domes. Mapped and named by the University of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61. Gopher is the nickname of the University of Minnesota and of the State.


Snyder Peak

. A low ice-covered peak lying southwest of Anderson Dome. Mapped by the University of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61. Named by US-ACAN for David Snyder, aviation electronics technician with United States Navy Squadron VX-6, crew member on pioneer flights of LC-47 Dakota aircraft from Byrd Station to the Eights Coast area in November 1961.


Anderson Dome

. A prominent ice-covered dome mountain high rising on the east side of Gopher Glacier, east of similar-appearing Bonnabeau Dome. Mapped by the University, of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61, and named by them for Joe M. Anderson, USGS topographic engineer with the party.


Rice Ridge

. A low ridge with rocky exposures, long, which extends from the north side of Anderson Dome. Mapped by the University of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61. Named by US-ACAN for Lieutenant Commander Robert A. Rice, United States Navy, Supply and Fiscal Officer of Mobile Construction Battalion One on United States Navy OpDFrz 1962.


Eubanks Point

. A point with steep ice-covered slopes which is marked by a rock exposure on the northeast face, located west-southwest of the summit of Mount Loweth. Mapped by the University of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61. Named by US-ACAN for Staff Sergeant Leroy E. Eubanks, USMC, navigator with United States Navy Squadron VX-6, who participated in pioneering flights of LC-47 Dakota aircraft from Byrd Station to the Eights Coast area in November 1961.


Rockfall Cliff

. A conspicuous rock cliff which marks the northwest face of Mount Loweth. Mapped by the University of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61, and so named by them because the continual falling of rocks made examination of the area hazardous.


Pond Ridge

. A flattish rock ridge which extends north from Mount Loweth. Mapped by the University of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61, and so named by them because a small pond was discovered on the ridge.


Mount Loweth

. A snow-topped mountain high with a steep rock cliff on the north side, located east-northeast of Anderson Dome in the east end of the Jones Mountains. Mapped by the University of Minnesota-Jones Mountains Party, 1960-61. Named by US-ACAN for Hugh F. Loweth, Executive Offices of the President, who for some years was instrumental in the development and guidance of United States science policies and programs for Antarctica.


Notes


References


Sources

* * * {{Portal bar, Geography Mountain ranges of Ellsworth Land Volcanoes of Ellsworth Land Miocene volcanoes