Britain has a new tallest mountain. No, it hasn’t suddenly gotten higher. The measurements were simply bungled the first time around.
Mount Hope, located in the part of Antarctica that is claimed by the United Kingdom, was recently remeasured and has taken the crown of the UK’s highest peak from its Antarctic neighbor, Mount Jackson. Mount Hope had previously been measured at 2,862 meters (9,389ft) with Mount Jackson the seemingly larger of the two, standing at 3,184 meters.
Now Mount Hope is finally having its moment in the sun (not literally of course... that much snow melting would be disastrous) after startling new data was revealed by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). The glittering white peak actually stands at a whopping 3,239 meters – 377 meters taller than previously thought.
BAS Head of Mapping and Geographic Information Adrian Fox said it was “an exciting discovery within the British Antarctic Territory.”
“Modern satellite data highlights how inaccurate previous surveys and maps were for some parts of the region,” he said. “As well as discovering Mount Hope is the highest mountain in the territory, we have identified several other interesting discoveries. These include new mountain heights, ranges in new locations by up to 5km and even some new peaks which hadn’t been surveyed before.
“Maps with reliable measurements of the highest peaks are an essential safety requirement for flight planning. Accurate elevation data from satellite imagery now allows us to produce these resources for Antarctica, where flying is difficult at the best of times.”
Foreign Office Minister with responsibility for the Polar Regions, Sir Alan Duncan, said the revelation of the UK’s real highest peak is an example of advances in British technology. “The British Antarctic Territory is one of the most remote and unique British overseas territories and one of the most pristine landscapes on the globe,” he said.
“Our world-leading British scientists based there are carrying out vital research on climate change, the effects of which are most acutely felt in the polar regions. The discovery of Mount Hope as the UK’s tallest peak is a great example of British science making big steps forward in mapping techniques to help us get a better understanding of this fascinating region.”
Mount Hope is the highest mountain in the British Antarctic Territory, however, Mount Vinson remains the highest mountain in Antarctica at 4,892 meters tall.