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107-565: The Quartermain Mountains were visited by British expeditions led by Robert Falcon Scott (1901–04 and 1910–13) and Ernest Shackleton (1907–09), who applied several names. Names were added in the years subsequent to the International Geophysical Year , 1957–58, concurrent with research carried out by New Zealand Antarctic Research Programme (NZARP) and United States Antarctic Research Program (USARP) field parties, and to fulfill

214-463: A 1961 N.Z. Lands and Survey Department map compiled from N.Z. field surveys, 1957-60, and United States Navy aerial photographs of that period. Presumably named after William J. Weller, Royal Navy, a seaman of the ship Discovery during the BrNAE, 1901-04, led- by R.F. Scott. In November 1903, Weller and Thomas Kennar (see Kennar Valley ) accompanied Hartley T. Ferrar in the first geological reconnaissance of

321-488: A bid for the South Pole from there. Scott claimed, in the first of a series of letters to Shackleton, that the area around McMurdo was his own "field of work" to which he had prior rights until he chose to give them up, and that Shackleton should therefore work from an entirely different area. In this, he was strongly supported by Discovery ' s former zoologist, Edward Wilson , who asserted that Scott's rights extended to

428-521: A caravan of mixed transport groups (motors, dogs, horses), with loaded sledges, travelling at different rates, all designed to support a final group of four men who would make a dash for the Pole. The southbound party steadily reduced in size as successive support teams turned back. Scott reminded the returning Surgeon-Lieutenant Atkinson of the order "to take the two dog-teams south in the event of Meares having to return home, as seemed likely". By 4 January 1912,

535-558: A collision involving Scott's ship, HMS  Albemarle . Scott was cleared of blame. HMS  Albemarle , a battleship commanded by Scott, collided with the battleship HMS  Commonwealth on 11 February 1907, suffering minor bow damage. By early 1906, Scott queried the RGS about the possible funding of a future Antarctic expedition. It was therefore unwelcome news to him that Ernest Shackleton had announced his own plans to travel to Discovery ' s old McMurdo Sound base and launch

642-521: A distance of 162 miles (261 km) from their base camp at Hut Point and approximately 12.5 miles (20.1 km) from the next depot, Scott and his companions died. When Scott and his party's bodies were discovered, they had in their possession the first Antarctic fossils discovered. The fossils were determined to be from the Glossopteris tree and proved that Antarctica was once forested and joined to other continents. Before his appointment to lead

749-417: A farewell letter to Sir Edgar Speyer , dated 16 March, Scott wondered whether he had overshot the meeting point and fought the growing suspicion that he had in fact been abandoned by the dog teams: "We very nearly came through, and it's a pity to have missed it, but lately I have felt that we have overshot our mark. No-one is to blame and I hope no attempt will be made to suggest that we had lacked support." On

856-467: A field party of the University of New South Wales that worked in this area in 1966-67. The name is reported to be descriptive of characteristic formations on the site. 77°50′S 160°59′E  /  77.833°S 160.983°E  / -77.833; 160.983 . An ice-free valley, between East Beacon and New Mountain, which opens to the south side of Taylor Glacier. Given this descriptive name by

963-419: A fierce blizzard prevented their making any progress. During the next nine days, as their supplies ran out, and with storms still raging outside the tent, Scott and his companions wrote their farewell letters. Scott gave up his diary after 23 March, save for a final entry on 29 March, with its concluding words: "Last entry. For God's sake look after our people". He left letters to Wilson's mother, Bowers' mother,

1070-816: A group of names in the area associated with surveying, 77°53′S 160°48′E  /  77.883°S 160.800°E  / -77.883; 160.800 . A saddle 1 nautical mile (1.9 km; 1.2 mi) west of Altar Mountain, situated at mid-point on the E-W ridge which forms the head of Arena Valley. Named in association with Arena Valley. The name was approved by the NZ-APC from a proposal by C.T. McElroy who, with G. Rose and K.J. Whitby, carried out geological work in these mountains, 1980-81. 77°52′S 161°07′E  /  77.867°S 161.117°E  / -77.867; 161.117 . A mountain, 2,260 metres (7,410 ft) high, standing between Arena Valley and Windy Gully, on

1177-519: A large contingent of dogs in the Bay of Whales , 200 miles (320 km) to their east. Scott conceded that his ponies would not be able to start early enough in the season to compete with Amundsen's cold-tolerant dog teams for the pole and also acknowledged that the Norwegian's base was closer to the pole by 69 miles (111 km). Wilson was more hopeful, whereas Gran shared Scott's concern. Shortly afterwards,

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1284-548: A late-season arrival and less time for preparatory work before the Antarctic winter. At Cape Evans, Antarctica, one of the motor sledges was lost during its unloading from the ship, breaking through the sea ice and sinking. Deteriorating weather conditions and weak, unacclimatised, ponies affected the initial depot-laying journey, so that the expedition's main supply point, One Ton Depot, was laid 35 miles (56 km) north of its planned location at 80°S. Lawrence Oates , in charge of

1391-687: A lobe of ice marginal to Taylor Glacier at the mouth, located west of Finger Mountain. The name appears to be first used on a 1961 New Zealand Lands and Survey Department map compiled from New Zealand field surveys, 1957-60, and United States Navy aerial photographs of that period. Presumably named after Thomas Kennar, Royal Navy, Petty Officer on the Discovery during the British National Antarctic Expedition (BrNAE), 1901-04, led by R.F. Scott. In November 1903, Kennar and William J. Weller (see Mount Weller ) accompanied Hartley T. Ferrar in

1498-453: A local day school before being sent to Stubbington House School in Hampshire, a cramming establishment that prepared candidates for the entrance examinations to the naval training ship HMS  Britannia at Dartmouth . Having passed these exams Scott began his naval career in 1881, as a 13-year-old cadet. One of his older sisters was Ettie Ellison-Macartney . In The Worst Journey in

1605-491: A long spell in foreign waters, he applied for the two-year torpedo training course on HMS  Vernon , an important career step. He graduated with first class certificates in both the theory and practical examinations. A small blot occurred in the summer of 1893 when, while commanding a torpedo boat, Scott ran it aground, a mishap which earned him a mild rebuke. During the research for his dual biography of Scott and Roald Amundsen, polar historian Roland Huntford investigated

1712-553: A new southern record by marching to latitude 82°S and discovered the Antarctic Plateau , on which the South Pole is located. On the second venture, Scott led a party of five which reached the South Pole on 17 January 1912, less than five weeks after Amundsen's South Pole expedition . On the return journey from the Pole, a planned meeting with supporting dog teams from the base camp failed, despite Scott's written instructions, and at

1819-399: A pity, but I do not think I can write more. R. SCOTT. For God’s sake look after our people. The bodies of Scott and his companions were discovered by a search party on 12 November 1912. Tryggve Gran , who was part of the search party, described the scene as, "snowcovered til up above the door, with Scott in the middle, half out of his bagg [ sic ] ... the frost had made

1926-661: A plumb line. 77°47′S 160°33′E  /  77.783°S 160.550°E  / -77.783; 160.550 . A small pyramidal mountain, about 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) high, between Aztec Mountain and Pyramid Mountain, just south of Taylor Glacier. So named by the NZGSAE (1958-59) because its shape resembles the pyramidal ceremonial platforms used by the Mayan civilization. 77°45′S 160°40′E  /  77.750°S 160.667°E  / -77.750; 160.667 . An elongated mountain rising to 1,920 metres (6,300 ft) on

2033-482: A possible scandal in Scott's early naval career, related to the period 1889–1890 when Scott was a lieutenant on HMS  Amphion . According to Huntford, Scott "disappears from naval records" for eight months, from mid-August 1889 until 26 March 1890. Huntford hints at involvement with a married American woman, a cover-up, and protection by senior officers. Biographer David Crane reduces the missing period to eleven weeks, but

2140-420: A precipice on 11 March 1902. The expedition also experienced problems with scurvy , which affected Scott's domestic reputation. The expedition had both scientific and exploration objectives; the latter included a long journey south, in the direction of the South Pole. This march, undertaken by Scott, Ernest Shackleton and Edward Wilson , took them to a latitude of 82°17′S, about 530 miles (850 km) from

2247-508: A private luncheon party. She was a sculptor, socialite and cosmopolitan who had studied under Auguste Rodin and whose circle included Isadora Duncan , Pablo Picasso and Aleister Crowley . Her initial meeting with Scott was brief, but when they met again later that year, the mutual attraction was obvious. A stormy courtship followed; Scott was not her only suitor—his main rival was would-be novelist Gilbert Cannan —and his absences at sea did not assist his cause. However, Scott's persistence

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2354-528: A string of notables including his former commander, Sir George Egerton , his own mother and his wife. He also wrote his "Message to the Public", primarily a vindication of the expedition's organisation and conduct in which the party's failure is attributed to weather and other misfortunes, but ending on an inspirational note, with these words: We took risks, we knew we took them; things have come out against us, and therefore we have no cause for complaint, but bow to

2461-499: A telegram from Amundsen stating: "Beg leave to inform you Fram proceeding Antarctic Amundsen," possibly indicating that Scott faced a race to the pole. The expedition suffered a series of early misfortunes which hampered the first season's work and impaired preparations for the main polar march. On its journey from New Zealand to the Antarctic, Terra Nova nearly sank in a storm and was then trapped in pack ice for 20 days, far longer than other ships had experienced, which meant

2568-434: A tributary to Beacon Valley, descending to the latter from the southeast side. Named by US-ACAN in 1964, for James B.H. Farnell, who assisted in supplying field parties at McMurdo Station, 1960. 77°53′S 160°41′E  /  77.883°S 160.683°E  / -77.883; 160.683 . A small pass on the east side of Farnell Valley. The pass provides easy passage between Beacon Valley and Arena Valley. The name

2675-438: Is a critical position. We may find ourselves in safety at the next depot, but there is a horrid element of doubt." On 2 March, Oates began to suffer from the effects of frostbite and the party's progress slowed as he was increasingly unable to assist in the workload, eventually only able to drag himself alongside the men pulling the sledge. By 10 March the temperature had dropped unexpectedly to below −40 °C (−40 °F). In

2782-399: Is indicated in his diary: "The worst has happened [...] All the day dreams must go [...] Great God! This is an awful place". The deflated party began the 862 miles (1,387 km) return journey on 19 January. "I'm afraid the return journey is going to be dreadfully tiring and monotonous", wrote Scott on that day. The party made good progress despite poor weather, and had completed

2889-415: Is presumed to have died on 29 March 1912, or possibly one day later. The positions of the bodies in the tent when it was discovered eight months later suggested that Scott was the last of the three to die. In his final journal entry he wrote: I do not think we can hope for any better things now. We shall stick it out to the end, but we are getting weaker, of course, and the end cannot be far. It seems

2996-431: Is unable to clarify further. He rejects the notion of protection by senior officers on the grounds that Scott was not important or well-connected enough to warrant this. Documents that may have offered explanations are missing from Admiralty records. In 1894, while serving as torpedo officer on the depot ship HMS  Vulcan , Scott learned of the financial calamity that had overtaken his family. John Scott, having sold

3103-701: The Admiralty and, in August, as flag-captain to Rear-Admiral Sir George Egerton on HMS  Victorious . He was now moving in ever more exalted social circles—a telegram to Markham in February 1907 refers to meetings with Queen Amélie of Orléans and Luis Filipe, Prince Royal of Portugal , and a later letter home reports lunching with the Commander-in-Chief of the Fleet and Prince Heinrich of Prussia . The telegram related to

3210-544: The Discovery Expedition, was a joint enterprise of the RGS and the Royal Society . A long-cherished dream of Markham's, it required all of his skills and cunning to bring the expedition to fruition, under naval command and largely staffed by naval personnel. Scott may not have been Markham's first choice as leader but, having decided on him, the older man remained a constant supporter. There were committee battles over

3317-547: The Discovery expedition, Scott had a career as a Royal Navy officer. In 1899, he had a chance encounter with Sir Clements Markham , the president of the Royal Geographical Society , and learned of a planned Antarctic expedition, which he soon volunteered to lead. His name became inseparably associated with the Antarctic, the field of work to which he remained committed during the final 12 years of his life. Following

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3424-709: The Admiralty-based appointment of naval assistant to the Second Sea Lord , which placed him conveniently in London. In December, he was released on half-pay to take up the full-time command of the British Antarctic Expedition 1910, to be known as the Terra Nova expedition from its ship, Terra Nova . It was the expressed hope of the RGS that this expedition would be "scientific primarily, with exploration and

3531-583: The Beacon Valley area. Named in January 1962 by United States Antarctic Research Program (USARP) researchers Heinz Janetschek and Fiorenzo Ugolini after their respective university affiliation, Leopold-FranzensUniversitat at Innsbruck, Austria, and Rutgers University at New Brunswick, New Jersey. 77°53′S 160°39′E  /  77.883°S 160.650°E  / -77.883; 160.650 . An ice-free valley, 1 nautical mile (1.9 km; 1.2 mi) long,

3638-451: The BrAE (R.F. Scott), 1910-13, but the mountain was almost certainly seen for the first time during Scott's first expedition, 1901-04. 77°48′S 160°31′E  /  77.800°S 160.517°E  / -77.800; 160.517 . A small pyramidal mountain over 2,000 m, just southwest of Maya Mountain and west of Beacon Valley. So named by the NZGSAE (1958-59) because its shape resembles

3745-655: The BrNAE (1901-04), after the beacon sandstone which caps these heights. 77°49′S 160°48′E  /  77.817°S 160.800°E  / -77.817; 160.800 . The prominent western peak, rising to 2,345 metres (7,694 ft) in Beacon Heights. The name "Beacon Height West" was first used by the BrNAE (1901-04). The name was shortened by the NZGSAE, 1958-59. 77°50′S 160°52′E  /  77.833°S 160.867°E  / -77.833; 160.867 . The prominent eastern peak, rising to 2,265 metres (7,431 ft) in Beacon Heights. Named East Beacon by

3852-618: The BrNAE, 1901-04. 77°54′S 160°26′E  /  77.900°S 160.433°E  / -77.900; 160.433 . A steep bluff at the head of Beacon Valley, rising to 2,275 metres (7,464 ft) to the west of Friedmann Valley. One of a group of names in the area associated with surveying applied in 1993 by NZGB; horizon being the line of sight described by level line of theodolite or level. 77°52′S 160°26′E  /  77.867°S 160.433°E  / -77.867; 160.433 . A prominent bluff 2,070 metres (6,790 ft) high midway between Mount Weller and Horizon Bluff on

3959-587: The Central Intelligence Agency; from 1968-80 associated with committees within the United States Government responsible for coordinating Antarctic policy; initiated and collaborated in the authorship of the atlas Polar Regions, CIA, 1978. 77°54′S 161°15′E  /  77.900°S 161.250°E  / -77.900; 161.250 . A mountain between Windy Gully and Knobhead, on the south side of Taylor Glacier. The descriptive name

4066-862: The McMurdo Dry Valleys, situated between Rector Ridge and Vestal Ridge in the southeast part of Beacon Valley. Named by the US-ACAN in 1992 after Jerry L. Mullins, cartographer, USGS, from 1978; Manager of Polar Programs, Office of International Activities, United States Geological Survey (USGS), from 1989; six field seasons in Antarctica managing the acquisition of aerial photography, 1982-83 to 1993-94; Member, United States Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names, from 1994. 77°52′S 160°40′E  /  77.867°S 160.667°E  / -77.867; 160.667 . A valley about 1 nautical mile (1.9 km; 1.2 mi) long, lying next northeast of Farnell Valley in

4173-857: The NZ-APC following geological work here by C.T. McElroy, G. Rose, and K.J. Whitby in 1980-81. 77°52′S 160°44′E  /  77.867°S 160.733°E  / -77.867; 160.733 . A peak at the head of University Valley, 2.5 nautical miles (4.6 km; 2.9 mi) south-southwest of West Beacon. Named by USARP researchers Heinz Janetschek, biologist at McMurdo Station, 1961-62, and Fiorenzo Ugolini, geologist at McMurdo Station, 1961-62, after their respective university affiliation, Leopold-Franzens-Universitat at Innsbruck, Austria, and Rutgers University at New Brunswick, New Jersey. 77°52′S 160°43′E  /  77.867°S 160.717°E  / -77.867; 160.717 . A peak 0.7 nautical miles (1.3 km; 0.81 mi) southwest of University Peak, rising to 2,195 metres (7,201 ft) between

4280-466: The NZGSAE, 1958-59. 77°51′S 160°53′E  /  77.850°S 160.883°E  / -77.850; 160.883 . The south wall of an east–west ridge in Arena Valley, 1 nautical mile (1.9 km; 1.2 mi) south of East Beacon. The feature is a prominent landmark and is formed by a dolerite dike which rises over 300 metres (980 ft) above the floor of the valley. Named by NZ-APC from

4387-544: The Polar Plateau stage of their journey, approximately 300 miles (480 km), by 7 February. In the following days, as the party made the 100 miles (160 km) descent of the Beardmore Glacier , the physical condition of Edgar Evans, which Scott had noted with concern as early as 23 January, declined sharply. A fall on 4 February had left Evans "dull and incapable," and on 17 February, after another fall, he died near

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4494-603: The Pole as secondary objects" but, unlike the Discovery expedition , neither they nor the Royal Society were in charge this time. In his expedition prospectus, Scott stated that its main objective was "to reach the South Pole, and to secure for the British Empire the honour of this achievement". Scott had, as Markham observed, been "bitten by the Pole mania". In a memorandum of 1908, Scott presented his view that man-hauling to

4601-747: The Quartermain Mountains. 77°57′S 160°21′E  /  77.950°S 160.350°E  / -77.950; 160.350 . A massive mountain, 3,010 m, with a broad flattish summit, standing at the south extremity of the Quartermain Mountains. Named after Thomas A. Feather, Royal Navy, Boatswain on the Discovery during the BrNAE (1901-04), who accompanied Scott in his Western Journey to this area in 1903. 77°56′S 160°08′E  /  77.933°S 160.133°E  / -77.933; 160.133 . A 2,570 metres (8,430 ft) high ridge, 3 nautical miles (5.6 km; 3.5 mi) long and 0.5 nautical miles (0.93 km; 0.58 mi) wide, being

4708-573: The Royal Navy however, opportunities for career advancement were both limited and keenly sought after by ambitious officers. Early in June 1899, while home on leave, he had a chance encounter in a London street with Clements Markham, who was now knighted and President of the Royal Geographical Society (RGS), and learned for the first time of an impending Antarctic expedition with Discovery , under

4815-485: The South Pole was impossible and that motor traction was needed. Snow vehicles did not yet exist however and so his engineer Reginald Skelton developed the idea of a caterpillar track for snow surfaces. In the middle of 1909, Scott realised that motors were unlikely to get him all the way to the Pole and decided additionally to take horses (based on Shackleton's near success in attaining the Pole, using ponies), dogs and skis, after consultation with Nansen during trials of

4922-585: The South, the object being to hasten the return of the third Southern unit [the polar party] and give it a chance to catch the ship. The date of your departure must depend on news received from returning units, the extent of the depot of dog food you have been able to leave at One Ton Camp, the state of the dogs, etc ... It looks at present as though you should aim at meeting the returning party about March 1 in Latitude 82 or 82.30 The march south began on 1 November 1911,

5029-620: The VUWAE, 1958-59. 77°52′S 161°12′E  /  77.867°S 161.200°E  / -77.867; 161.200 . An ice-filled gully between New Mountain and Terra Cotta Mountain, on the south side of Taylor Glacier. Named by the Western Journey Party, led by Taylor, of the BrAE, 1910-13. All parties in this area have commented on the incidence of high winds here. 77°54′S 161°28′E  /  77.900°S 161.467°E  / -77.900; 161.467 . A small N-S valley,

5136-498: The World , author Apsley Cherry-Garrard claims that "physically Scott had been a delicate boy but developed into a strong man, 5 feet 9 inches in height, 11 stone 6 lbs. in weight, with a chest measurement of 39¼ inches." In July 1883, Scott passed out of Britannia as a midshipman, seventh overall in a class of 26. By October, he was en route to South Africa to join HMS ; Boadicea ,

5243-481: The auspices of the RGS. It was the opportunity for early command and a chance to distinguish himself, rather than any predilection for polar exploration which motivated Scott, according to Crane. What passed between them on this occasion is not recorded, but a few days later, on 11 June, Scott appeared at the Markham residence and volunteered to lead the expedition. The British National Antarctic Expedition, later known as

5350-481: The bay. Markham's habit was to "collect" likely young naval officers with a view to their undertaking polar exploration work in the future. He was impressed by Scott's intelligence, enthusiasm and charm, and the 18-year-old midshipman was duly noted. In March 1888 Scott passed his examinations for sub-lieutenant, with four first class certificates out of five. His career progressed smoothly, with service on various ships and promotion to lieutenant in 1889. In 1891, after

5457-540: The brewery and invested the proceeds unwisely, had lost all his capital and was now virtually bankrupt. At the age of 63, and in poor health, he was forced to take a job as a brewery manager and move his family to Shepton Mallet , Somerset. Three years later, while Robert was serving with the Channel Squadron flagship HMS  Majestic , John Scott died of heart disease, creating a fresh family crisis. Hannah Scott and her two unmarried daughters now relied entirely on

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5564-532: The color of the rock following geological work in the area by C.T. McElroy, G. Rose, and K.J. Whitby in 1980-81. 77°51′S 160°47′E  /  77.850°S 160.783°E  / -77.850; 160.783 . The summit of a bold, flat-topped ridge rising to 2,210 metres (7,250 ft) in the south part of Beacon Heights. A ridge system connects South Beacon with West Beacon, 1.5 nautical miles (2.8 km; 1.7 mi) north, and East Beacon, 1.5 nautical miles (2.8 km; 1.7 mi) northeast. So named by

5671-598: The continent, in consultation with other national nomenclature bodies where appropriate, as defined by the Antarctic Treaty System . The research and staff support for the ACAN is provided by the United States Geological Survey . ACAN has a published policy on naming, based on priority of application, appropriateness, and the extent to which usage has become established. The United States Secretary of

5778-437: The death toll among the ponies increased to six, three drowning when sea-ice unexpectedly disintegrated, casting in doubt the possibility of reaching the pole at all. However, during the 1911 winter, Scott's confidence increased: on 2 August, after the return of a three-man party from their winter journey to Cape Crozier , Scott wrote, "I feel sure we are as near perfection as experience can direct". Scott outlined his plans for

5885-804: The divide between Mullins Valley and Farnell Valley. Named by US-ACAN in 1993 after J. Robie Vestal (1942-92), microbiologist at the University of Cincinnati, 1983-92; chairman of the advisory committee to the Division of Polar Programs, National Science Foundation, 1990-91. His research in Antarctica focused on adaptations of microbial ecosystems to the extreme environments. 77°50′S 160°50′E  /  77.833°S 160.833°E  / -77.833; 160.833 . A small cluster of peaks between Beacon Valley and Arena Valley, rising to 2,345 metres (7,694 ft) in West Beacon, and also including East Beacon and South Beacon. Named by Hartley J. Ferrar, geologist with

5992-410: The dog teams to meet and assist him on the return trip. Scott was born on 6 June 1868, the third of six children and elder son of John Edward, a brewer and magistrate, and Hannah (née Cuming) Scott of Stoke Damerel , near Devonport . There were also naval and military traditions in the family, Scott's grandfather and four uncles all having served in the army or navy. John Scott's prosperity came from

6099-403: The dogs succumbed to disease in the first season. Nevertheless, the dogs' performance impressed Scott, and, despite moral qualms, he implemented the principle of slaughtering dogs for dog food to increase the others' range. During an early attempt at ice travel, a blizzard trapped expedition members in their tent and their decision to leave it resulted in the death of George Vince, who slipped over

6206-462: The entire Ross Sea sector. Shackleton refused to concede. According to a letter written to Stanfords bookshop owner Edward Stanford , Scott seemed to take offence with a map that was published that had shown how far south Scott and Shackleton had travelled during the Discovery Expedition. Scott implied in this letter, dated in 1907 and discovered in the shop archives in 2018, that having

6313-504: The expedition, visited the Discovery the day before the ship left British shores in August 1901, and during the visit appointed Scott a Member Fourth Class of the Royal Victorian Order , his personal gift. Experience of Antarctic or Arctic waters was almost entirely lacking within the 50-strong party and there was very little special training in equipment or techniques before the ship set sail. Dogs were taken, as were skis, but

6420-503: The field party in the last four seasons. 77°49′S 160°39′E  /  77.817°S 160.650°E  / -77.817; 160.650 . An ice-free valley between Pyramid Mountain and Beacon Heights. Mapped by the British Antarctic Expedition, 1910–13 . Named by the VUWAE (1958-59) after Beacon Heights. 77°54′S 160°35′E  /  77.900°S 160.583°E  / -77.900; 160.583 . One of

6527-523: The first ever discovered Antarctic fossils and proved that Antarctica had once been warm and connected to other continents. 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 . The committee

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6634-449: The first geological reconnaissance of the Quartermain Mountains. 77°46′S 160°32′E  /  77.767°S 160.533°E  / -77.767; 160.533 . A partially deglaciated valley between Finger Mountain and Pyramid Mountain. Named by the VUWAE, 1958-59. 77°54′S 160°30′E  /  77.900°S 160.500°E  / -77.900; 160.500 . One of the McMurdo Dry Valleys, located west of Rector Ridge at

6741-600: The first relief ship in March 1903. Second-in-command Albert Armitage , a merchant officer, was offered the chance to go home on compassionate grounds, but interpreted the offer as a personal slight, and refused. Armitage also promoted the idea that the decision to send Shackleton home on the relief ship arose from Scott's animosity rather than Shackleton's physical breakdown. Although there was later tension between Scott and Shackleton, when their polar ambitions directly clashed, mutual civilities were preserved in public; Scott joined in

6848-533: The flagship of the Cape squadron, the first of several ships on which he served during his midshipman years. While stationed in St Kitts , West Indies , on HMS  Rover , he had his first encounter with Clements Markham , then Secretary of the Royal Geographical Society, who would loom large in Scott's later career. On this occasion, 1 March 1887, Markham observed Midshipman Scott's cutter winning that morning's race across

6955-509: The glacier foot. Still needing to travel 400 miles (640 km) across the Ross Ice Shelf , the prospects of Scott's party steadily worsened as they struggled northward with deteriorating weather, a puzzling lack of fuel in the depots, hunger, and exhaustion. Meanwhile, back at Cape Evans, the Terra Nova arrived at the beginning of February, and Atkinson decided to unload the supplies from

7062-475: The head of Beacon Valley. Named in 1992 by the United States Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names (US-ACAN) after E. Imre Friedmann , biologist, Polar Desert Research Center, Florida State University, who in virtually every austral summer, 1976-87, led USARP field parties in the study of microorganisms in rocks of the McMurdo Dry Valleys. His wife, Roseli Ocampo-Friedmann , was a member of

7169-501: The heads of University Valley and Farnell Valley. So named by NZ-APC following geological work carried out by C.T. McElroy, G. Rose, and K.J. Whitby in the 1980-81 season. The face of the peak exhibits large-scale slump structures in the Metschel Tillite zone. 77°54′S 160°51′E  /  77.900°S 160.850°E  / -77.900; 160.850 . A prominent mountain over 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) high, standing at

7276-419: The last two four-man groups had reached 87°34′S. Scott announced his decision: five men — himself, Wilson , Bowers , Oates and E. Evans — would go forward; the other three - ( Teddy Evans , William Lashly and Tom Crean ) - would return. The chosen group marched on, reaching the Pole on 17 January, only to find a tent left in place by Amundsen, in it containing a letter dated 18 December. Scott's anguish

7383-413: The meteorological and magnetic readings, however, were later criticised as amateurish and inaccurate. At the end of the expedition it took the combined efforts of two relief ships and the use of explosives to free Discovery from the ice. Scott's insistence during the expedition on Royal Navy formalities had made for uneasy relations with the merchant navy contingent, many of whom departed for home with

7490-507: The more northern of two ridges that extend west from the Mount Feather block. The narrow upper surface is capped by ice but rock is exposed at many points along abrupt cliffs. Named by US-ACAN in 1992 after Ruth J. Siple, widow of renowned Antarctican Paul A. Siple (see Mount Siple ); Honorary President and active supporter of The Antarctican Society; Honored Guest at the dedication of the new United States Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station at

7597-451: The motors in Norway in March 1910. Man-hauling would still be needed on the Polar Plateau, on the assumption that motors and animals could not ascend the crevassed Beardmore Glacier . Dog expert Cecil Meares was going to Siberia to select the dogs and Scott ordered that, while he was there, he should deal with the purchase of Manchurian ponies. Meares was not an experienced horse-dealer and

7704-507: The news of his death, Scott became a celebrated hero, a status reflected by memorials erected across the UK. However, in the last decades of the 20th century, questions were raised about his competence and character. Commentators in the 21st century have regarded Scott more positively after assessing the temperature drop below −40 °C (−40 °F) in March 1912, and after re-discovering Scott's written orders of October 1911, in which he had instructed

7811-441: The north side of Turnabout Valley. So named by the BrNAE (1901-04) because a long tongue of dolerite between the sandstone strata has the appearance of a finger. 77°47′S 160°40′E  /  77.783°S 160.667°E  / -77.783; 160.667 . A mountain resembling a pyramid, rising to 2,120 metres (6,960 ft) between Turnabout Valley and the mouth of Beacon Valley. The name seems first to appear on maps of

7918-516: The official receptions that greeted Shackleton on his return in 1909 after the Nimrod Expedition , and the two exchanged polite letters about their respective ambitions in 1909–1910. Discovery returned to Britain in September 1904. The expedition had caught the public imagination, and Scott became a popular hero. He was awarded a cluster of honours and medals, including many from overseas, and

8025-457: The old Discovery base. For this he was roundly condemned by the British polar establishment at the time. Among modern polar writers, Ranulph Fiennes regards Shackleton's actions as a technical breach of honour, but adds: "My personal belief is that Shackleton was basically honest but circumstances forced his McMurdo landing, much to his distress." The polar historian Beau Riffenburgh states that

8132-436: The ownership of a small Plymouth brewery which he had inherited from his father and subsequently sold. Scott's early childhood years were spent in comfort, but some years later, when he was establishing his naval career, the family suffered serious financial misfortune. In accordance with the family's tradition, Scott and his younger brother Archie were predestined for careers in the armed services. Scott spent four years at

8239-532: The pole. A harrowing return journey brought about Shackleton's physical collapse and his early departure from the expedition. The second year showed improvements in technique and achievement, culminating in Scott's western journey which led to the discovery of the Polar Plateau . This has been described by one writer as "one of the great polar journeys". The scientific results of the expedition included important biological, zoological and geological findings. Some of

8346-660: The ponies he chose proved mostly of poor quality and ill-suited to prolonged Antarctic work. Meanwhile, Scott also recruited Bernard Day, from Shackleton's expedition, as his motor expert. On 15 June 1910, Scott's ship, Terra Nova , an old converted whaler, set sail from Cardiff , South Wales. Scott meanwhile was fundraising in Britain and joined the ship later in South Africa. Arriving in Melbourne , Australia in October 1910, Scott received

8453-421: The ponies, advised Scott to kill ponies for food and advance the depot to 80°S, which Scott refused to do. Oates is reported as saying to Scott, "Sir, I'm afraid you'll come to regret not taking my advice." Four ponies died during this journey, either from the cold or because they slowed the team down and were shot. On its return to base, the expedition learned of the presence of Amundsen, camped with his crew and

8560-419: The promise to Scott "should never ethically have been demanded," and compares Scott's intransigence on this matter unfavourably with the generous attitudes of the Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen , who gave freely of his advice and expertise to all, whether they were potential rivals or not. Scott, who because of his Discovery fame had entered Edwardian society, first met Kathleen Bruce early in 1907 at

8667-729: The pyramidal ceremonial platforms used by the Aztec and Maya civilizations. 77°54′S 160°33′E  /  77.900°S 160.550°E  / -77.900; 160.550 . A bold rock ridge at the head of Beacon Valley, rising to 2,105 metres (6,906 ft) between Friedmann Valley and Mullins Valley. Named in 1992 by US-ACAN after Commander Jack Rector, United States Navy, Commanding Officer, Antarctic Development Squadron Six (VXE-6), May 1987 to May 1988. 77°53′S 160°38′E  /  77.883°S 160.633°E  / -77.883; 160.633 . A steep rock ridge in southeast Beacon Valley, rising to 2,240 metres (7,350 ft) and forming

8774-600: The requirement for maps compiled from United States Navy aerial photographs, 1947–83. In 1977, the New Zealand Antarctic Place-Names Committee named the mountains after New Zealand Antarctic historian Lester Bowden Quartermain (1895–1973). The Quatermain Mountains are east of the Lashly Mountains , from which they are separated by the Lashly Glacier . The Portal and Pivot Peak are to

8881-427: The same day, Oates, whose toes had become frostbitten, voluntarily left the tent and walked to his death. Scott wrote that Oates' last words were "I am just going outside and may be some time". After walking 20 miles (32 km) farther despite Scott's toes now becoming frostbitten, the three remaining men made their final camp on 19 March, approximately 12.5 miles (20.1 km) short of One Ton Depot. The next day

8988-405: The scope of Scott's responsibilities, with the Royal Society pressing to put a scientist in charge of the expedition's programme while Scott merely commanded the ship. Eventually, however, Markham's view prevailed; Scott was given overall command, and was promoted to the rank of commander before Discovery sailed for the Antarctic on 6 August 1901. King Edward VII , who showed a keen interest in

9095-402: The service pay of Scott and the salary of younger brother Archie, who had left the army for a higher-paid post in the colonial service. Archie's own death in the autumn of 1898, after contracting typhoid fever , meant that the whole financial responsibility for the family rested on Scott. Promotion, and the extra income this would bring, now became a matter of considerable concern to Scott. In

9202-458: The ship with his own men rather than set out south with the dogs to meet Scott as ordered. When Atkinson finally did leave south for the planned rendezvous with Scott, he encountered the scurvy-ridden Edward ("Teddy") Evans who needed urgent medical attention. Atkinson therefore tried to send the experienced navigator Wright south to meet Scott, but chief meteorologist Simpson declared he needed Wright for scientific work. Atkinson then decided to send

9309-537: The short-sighted Cherry-Garrard on 25 February, who was not able to navigate, only as far as One Ton depot (which is within sight of Mount Erebus), effectively cancelling Scott's orders for meeting him at latitude 82 or 82.30 on 1 March. On the return journey from the Pole, Scott reached the 82°S meeting point for the dog teams, 300 miles (480 km) from Hut Point , three days ahead of schedule, noting in his diary for 27 February 1912, "We are naturally always discussing possibility of meeting dogs, where and when, etc. It

9416-415: The site on January 9, 1975. 77°58′S 160°27′E  /  77.967°S 160.450°E  / -77.967; 160.450 . A bluff 2,355 metres (7,726 ft) high which forms a shoulderlike projection from the east side of Mount Feather. One of a group of names in the area associated with surveying applied in 1993 by NZGB; nadir being opposite of zenith and the direction of gravity as defined by

9523-468: The skin yellow & transparent & I’ve never seen anything worse in my life." Their final camp became their tomb; their records and personal belongings were retrieved before the tent roof was lowered over the bodies and a high cairn of snow was erected over it, topped by a roughly fashioned cross, erected using Gran's skis. Next to their bodies lay 35 pounds (16 kg) of Glossopteris tree fossils which they had dragged on hand sledges. These were

9630-491: The south end of Arena Valley. Indicated but not named on Ferrar's 1907 map. So named by the NZGSAE (1958-59) because of its stepped profile and flat top, similar to pyramids of the Aztec and Mayan civilizations. 77°54′S 160°57′E  /  77.900°S 160.950°E  / -77.900; 160.950 . A nunatak, 1,865 metres (6,119 ft) high, to the southwest of Windy Gully, standing 1.4 nautical miles (2.6 km; 1.6 mi) southeast of Altar Mountain. One of

9737-500: The south side of Taylor Glacier. Charted and named by the BrNAE, 1901-04. Windy Gully separates the main part of the range from the massif that contain Knobhead, Terra Cotta Mountain and Mount Handsley. The massif is also part of the Quartermain Mountains. 77°55′S 161°32′E  /  77.917°S 161.533°E  / -77.917; 161.533 . A massive ice-free mountain, 2,400 metres (7,900 ft) high, standing south of

9844-455: The southern journey to the entire shore party, leaving open who would form the final polar team, according to their performance during the polar travel. Eleven days before Scott's teams set off towards the pole, Scott gave the dog driver Meares the following written orders at Cape Evans, dated 20 October 1911, to secure Scott's speedy return from the pole using dogs: About the first week of February I should like you to start your third journey to

9951-788: The southwest. The Ferrar Glacier runs along the southeast boundary, and the Taylor Glacier runs along the north and northeast boundary. The Quartermain Mountains are bounded by Finger Mountain, Mount Handsley, Mount Feather and Tabular Mountain; also including Knobhead, Terra Cotta Mountain, New Mountain, Beacon Heights, Pyramid Mountain, Arena Valley, Kennar Valley, Turnabout Valley and the several valleys and ridges within Beacon Valley . Download coordinates as: 77°48′S 160°12′E  /  77.800°S 160.200°E  / -77.800; 160.200 . A small glacier 1 nautical mile (1.9 km; 1.2 mi) southwest of Fireman Glacier in

10058-488: The two men's names together on this map indicated that there was "dual leadership" between Scott and Shackleton which was "not in accordance with fact." After the owner replied with an apology over the issue, Scott expressed his regret at the nature of the previous letter and stated, "I tried to be impartial in giving credit to my companions who one and all laboured honestly and well as I have endeavoured to record....I understand now of course that you had no personal knowledge of

10165-988: The upper portion of which is occupied by a glacier, between Mount Kuipers and Knobhead. So named by Alan Sherwood, NZGS party leader to the area, 1987-88, from the strong winds observed here, similar to Windy Gully located 3 nautical miles (5.6 km; 3.5 mi) to the west. 77°55′S 161°36′E  /  77.917°S 161.600°E  / -77.917; 161.600 . A small ice-free valley between Knobhead and Mount Handsley. Named by NZGB in 1993 in association with Mount Handsley. Other features include Tabular Mountain, Mount Feather, Maya Mountain, Finger Mountain, Pyramid Mountain, Aztec Mountain, West Beacon, East Beacon, University Peak, Altar Mountain and New Mountain. 77°52′S 160°14′E  /  77.867°S 160.233°E  / -77.867; 160.233 . A broad, flat-topped mountain, 2,740 metres (8,990 ft) high, about 6 nautical miles (11 km; 6.9 mi) north-northwest of Mount Feather. Descriptively named by

10272-495: The west end of Kukri Hills and overlooking the Ferrar and Taylor Glaciers at their point of apposition. Discovered by the BrNAE (1901-04) and so named because of its appearance. 77°54′S 161°24′E  /  77.900°S 161.400°E  / -77.900; 161.400 . An ice-free mountain, 1,940 metres (6,360 ft) high, between Mount Benninghoff and Knobhead. Named by US-ACAN in 1992 after Ronald L. Kuipers, formerly of

10379-548: The west extremity of the Quartermain Mountains. The name is one of a group in the area associated with surveying applied in 1993 by the New Zealand Geographic Board (NZGB). A subtense bar is a fixed base, usually 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) long, used in conjunction with a theodolite in the calculation of horizontal distance. 77°46′S 160°25′E  /  77.767°S 160.417°E  / -77.767; 160.417 . A small valley, ice free except for

10486-630: The west part being ice free. Named in 1992 by US-ACAN in association with Turnabout Valley. Some of the McMurdo Dry Valleys are found in the Quartermain Mountains. Valleys include Turnabout Valley, Beacon Valley, University Valley, Farnell Valley, Brawhm Pass, Ashtray Basin and Arena Valley. 77°50′S 160°06′E  /  77.833°S 160.100°E  / -77.833; 160.100 . A mostly ice-free valley, 1.5 nautical miles (2.8 km; 1.7 mi) long, located 2 nautical miles (3.7 km; 2.3 mi) northwest of Tabular Mountain in

10593-399: The west part of the Quartermain Mountains. The name is one of a group in the area associated with surveying applied in 1993 by NZGB; telemeter being an instrument used to ascertain ranges and distances. 77°46′S 160°43′E  /  77.767°S 160.717°E  / -77.767; 160.717 . A glacier to the south of Finger Mountain, occupying the east half of Turnabout Valley,

10700-480: The west side of Beacon Valley. The name is one of a group in the area associated with surveying applied in 1993 by the NZGB. 77°51′S 160°29′E  /  77.850°S 160.483°E  / -77.850; 160.483 . A peak 2,420 metres (7,940 ft) high rising above the west side of Beacon Valley, 4 nautical miles (7.4 km; 4.6 mi) southwest of Pyramid Mountain. The name appears to be first used on

10807-425: The will of Providence, determined still to do our best to the last ... Had we lived, I should have had a tale to tell of the hardihood, endurance, and courage of my companions which would have stirred the heart of every Englishman. These rough notes and our dead bodies must tell the tale, but surely, surely, a great rich country like ours will see that those who are dependent on us are properly provided for. Scott

10914-515: The wording and I must express regret that I failed to realise your identity when I first wrote." Finally, to end the impasse, Shackleton agreed, in a letter to Scott dated 17 May 1907, to work to the east of the 170°W meridian and therefore to avoid all the familiar Discovery ground. In the end it was a promise that he was unable to keep after his search for alternative landing grounds proved fruitless. With his only other option being to return home, he set up his headquarters at Cape Royds , close to

11021-526: Was applied by the BrNAE, 1901-04. Robert Falcon Scott This is an accepted version of this page Captain Robert Falcon Scott CVO (6 June 1868 – c. 29 March 1912) was a British Royal Navy officer and explorer who led two expeditions to the Antarctic regions: the Discovery expedition of 1901–04 and the Terra Nova expedition of 1910–13. On the first expedition, he set

11128-713: Was established in 1943 as the Special Committee on Antarctic Names (SCAN). It became the Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names in 1947. Fred G. Alberts was Secretary of the Committee from 1949 to 1980. By 1959, a structured nomenclature was reached, allowing for further exploration, structured mapping of the region and a unique naming system. A 1990 ACAN gazeeter of Antarctica listed 16,000 names. The United States does not recognise territorial boundaries within Antarctica, so ACAN assigns names to features anywhere within

11235-454: Was promoted to the rank of captain . He was invited to Balmoral Castle , and King Edward VII promoted him to Commander of the Royal Victorian Order . Scott's next few years were crowded. For more than a year he was occupied with public receptions, lectures and the writing of the expedition record, The Voyage of the Discovery . In January 1906, he resumed his full-time naval career, first as an assistant director of Naval Intelligence at

11342-466: Was recommended in 1968 by the NZ-APC. It is derived from the names of six party members of the University of New South Wales (Australia) expeditions of 1964-65 and 1966-67 who used this pass (e.g., Bryan, Rose, Anderson, Williams, Hobbs and McElroy). 77°52′S 160°58′E  /  77.867°S 160.967°E  / -77.867; 160.967 . A small basin near the head of Arena Valley. Named by

11449-539: Was rewarded and, on 2 September 1908, at the Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace , the wedding took place. Their only child, Peter Markham Scott , born 14 September 1909, was to found the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) . Shackleton returned from the Antarctic having narrowly failed to reach the Pole and this gave Scott the impetus to proceed with plans for his second Antarctic expedition. On 24 March 1909, he took

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