Daily Current Affairs : 19-December-2023

Shaikh Hassan Khan, a government employee from Kerala, has recently achieved a remarkable feat by conquering Mount Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica. This accomplishment not only showcases individual determination but also sheds light on the geographical significance of Mount Vinson and the Ellsworth Mountains.

Mount Vinson: A Towering Giant in Antarctica

Overview of Mount Vinson: Mount Vinson is an imposing peak that stands as the tallest mountain in Antarctica, reaching an impressive elevation of 4,892 meters (16,050 feet) above sea level. Nestled within the Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains, this icy giant is situated near the Ronne Ice Shelf.

Vinson Massif: Mount Vinson is a prominent feature of the Vinson Massif, a collective term encompassing this peak and the five other highest summits in its vicinity. Together, they form a significant part of the Antarctic landscape, offering a challenging terrain for mountaineers.

Geographical Location: Located approximately 1,200 kilometers from the South Pole, Mount Vinson resides in one of the coldest regions on Earth. The extreme conditions add an extra layer of difficulty for those attempting to conquer this formidable peak.

Ellsworth Mountains: An Overview of the Rugged Landscape

Key Facts: The Ellsworth Mountains, comprising the Sentinel Range and the Heritage Range, constitute the mountain ranges in Antarctica. Spanning 360 kilometers (224 miles) in length and 48 kilometers (30 miles) in width, these mountains create a north-to-south alignment.

Minnesota Glacier and Sentinel Range: Bisected by the Minnesota Glacier, the Ellsworth Mountains give rise to the Sentinel Range in the north and the Heritage Range in the south. The Sentinel Range, towering and visually striking, hosts Mount Vinson as its crowning jewel, making it the highest point on the entire Antarctic continent.

Important Points:
  • Mount Vinson: A Towering Giant in Antarctica
    • Mount Vinson:
      • Tallest mountain in Antarctica at 4,892 meters (16,050 feet) above sea level.
      • Located in the Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains near the Ronne Ice Shelf.
    • Vinson Massif:
      • Encompasses Mount Vinson and five other highest summits in the vicinity.
      • Forms a significant part of Antarctica’s challenging terrain.
  • Geographical Location:
    • Mount Vinson situated 1,200 kilometers from the South Pole.
    • Region ranks among the coldest places on Earth.
  • Ellsworth Mountains: An Overview of the Rugged Landscape
    • Key Facts:
      • Ellsworth Mountains include Sentinel Range and Heritage Range.
      • Span 360 kilometers (224 miles) in length and 48 kilometers (30 miles) in width.
    • Minnesota Glacier and Sentinel Range:
      • Glacier bisects Ellsworth Mountains, creating Sentinel Range in the north and Heritage Range in the south.
      • Sentinel Range hosts Mount Vinson, the highest point on the Antarctic continent.
Why In News

Recently, Kerala government employee Shaikh Hassan Khan has accomplished the remarkable feat of climbing Mount Vinson, showcasing not only his dedication to adventure but also exemplifying the spirit of resilience and determination among public servants.

MCQs about Mount Vinson

  1. What is the elevation of Mount Vinson, the tallest mountain in Antarctica?
    A. 3,500 meters
    B. 5,892 meters
    C. 4,892 meters
    D. 6,050 meters
    Correct Answer: C. 4,892 meters
    Explanation: Mount Vinson stands at an elevation of 4,892 meters (16,050 feet) above sea level.
  2. Which mountain range hosts Mount Vinson in Antarctica?
    A. Andes Mountains
    B. Rocky Mountains
    C. Himalayan Range
    D. Sentinel Range
    Correct Answer: D. Sentinel Range
    Explanation: Mount Vinson is situated in the Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains.
  3. How far is Mount Vinson located from the South Pole?
    A. 500 kilometers
    B. 1,200 kilometers
    C. 2,000 kilometers
    D. 800 kilometers
    Correct Answer: B. 1,200 kilometers
    Explanation: Mount Vinson is approximately 1,200 kilometers from the South Pole.
  4. What geographical feature bisects the Ellsworth Mountains?
    A. Amazon River
    B. Mississippi River
    C. Minnesota Glacier
    D. Nile River
    Correct Answer: C. Minnesota Glacier
    Explanation: The glacier bisects the Ellsworth Mountains, creating the Sentinel Range in the north and the Heritage Range in the south.

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