Mount Terror (Antarctica)
Mountain Volcanic massif on Ross Island, Antarctic landmark
Mount Terror on Ross Island is a volcanic massif near Mount Erebus; visits are restricted to scientific and specialist expeditions exploring Antarctic volcanology, glaciology and remote polar terrain.
Mount Terror is a large, predominantly ice-covered volcanic massif on Ross Island in Antarctica, forming the island’s eastern high ground. Its summit rises to about 3,230 m and it was named during 19th-century Antarctic exploration.
The mountain presents steep, glaciated slopes and cliffs and is largely inaccessible except to well-equipped scientific expeditions. Visitors who approach the area typically do so as part of research operations based on Ross Island; there are no permanent facilities on the mountain.
The peak was identified and named during mid-19th-century British Antarctic exploration. It has not been active in recorded modern eruptions and is mapped as part of the volcanic complex of Ross Island, which also includes Mount Erebus.
Mount Terror occupies the eastern portion of Ross Island in the Ross Sea sector of Antarctica, east of Mount Erebus and within reach of McMurdo and Scott research areas when weather and logistics permit.
- Name origin: Named by explorer James Clark Ross for the ship HMS Terror, the mountain is a major volcanic massif on Ross Island.
- Access: Access is only by Antarctic expedition or research vessel and conditions are severe year-round; it is seldom visited outside scientific parties.
How to Get to Mount Terror (Antarctica) #
Mount Terror is on Ross Island (Antarctica) and is not accessible by public transport. Reaching it requires inclusion in an organized Antarctic expedition or research/logistics operation based through McMurdo Station; travel to McMurdo is arranged internationally (typically from Christchurch, NZ) and subsequent travel to Mount Terror would be by helicopter, ship, or overland traverse under program logistics.
Individual visitors cannot reach Mount Terror independently - all travel in this area requires permits and coordination with national Antarctic programs.
Best Time to Visit Mount Terror (Antarctica) #
Only feasible to visit during the austral summer (November-March) when research and expedition activity occurs; otherwise the mountain and region are effectively inaccessible.
Weather & Climate near Mount Terror (Antarctica) #
Mount Terror (Antarctica)'s climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with freezing summers (peaking in December) and freezing winters (coldest in August). Temperatures range from -47°C to -20°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is freezing with highs of -20°C and lows of -28°C. Almost no rain.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -25°C and lows of -34°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -32°C and lows of -42°C. Almost no rain.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -37°C and lows of -45°C. Almost no rain.
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May
May is freezing with highs of -38°C and lows of -45°C. Almost no rain.
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June
June is freezing with highs of -37°C and lows of -44°C. Almost no rain.
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July
July is freezing with highs of -38°C and lows of -45°C. Light rainfall.
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August
August is the coldest month with highs of -41°C and lows of -47°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is freezing with highs of -38°C and lows of -44°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and breezy conditions.
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October
October is freezing with highs of -33°C and lows of -41°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -26°C and lows of -34°C. Almost no rain.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -20°C and lows of -28°C. Light rainfall.
