Queen Alexandra Range
Geography
The Queen Alexandra Range is a major mountain range located in the eastern sector of the Transantarctic Mountains. This range extends from the Ross Ice Shelf to the Polar Plateau, a distance of approximately 160 kilometers. The range is named after Queen Alexandra, the wife of King Edward VII of the United Kingdom.
Geology
The geology of the Queen Alexandra Range is primarily composed of granitic rocks, which are part of the larger Beardmore Glacier granitic complex. These rocks are predominantly biotite-hornblende granodiorite and tonalite, with minor amounts of quartz diorite and granite. The age of these rocks is estimated to be around 500 million years, placing them in the Cambrian period of the Paleozoic Era.
Glaciology
The Queen Alexandra Range is home to several significant glaciers, including the Barne Glacier, the Shackleton Glacier, and the Mann Glacier. These glaciers play a crucial role in the overall glacial system of the Transantarctic Mountains, contributing to the mass balance of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet.
Climate
The climate of the Queen Alexandra Range is classified as a polar ice cap climate, characterized by extremely low temperatures, strong winds, and minimal precipitation. The average annual temperature is below freezing, with the coldest temperatures typically occurring in July.
Flora and Fauna
Due to the extreme climate and harsh conditions, the Queen Alexandra Range is largely devoid of flora and fauna. However, certain hardy species of Antarctic moss and lichens have been found in sheltered areas.
Exploration
The Queen Alexandra Range has been the site of numerous scientific expeditions, primarily focused on geological and glaciological research. The first recorded exploration of the range was by the British Antarctic Expedition in 1907, led by Ernest Shackleton.