The Antarctic Peninsula sweeps north from the Antarctic continent for 800 miles. It is separated from South America by the Scotia Sea and the Drake Passage, a 600-mile wide channel of tempestuous water connecting the South Atlantic Ocean with the South Pacific Ocean. The peninsula is actually an extension of the Andes, and is connected to the tip of South America by the partially submerged Scotia Ridge - a 2,000-mile chain which surfaces now and then as the South Orkneys, South Sandwich, and South Georgia islands.
The Antarctic Peninsula is home to the second longest mountain chain in Antarctica, with compact and rugged scenery consisting of sea ice, deep fjords, icefalls, steep glaciers and rugged off-shore islands. The land on the peninsula tapers to a long and narrow spine on which mountains rise to 3,000 feet.
The two most accessible peaks are Mt. Taylor (3,274 ft.) and Mt. Bransfield (2,490 ft.), both located on Trinity Peninsula (land's end).
South of the Trinity Peninsula is Graham Land, where the landmass doubles in width and the peaks rise to 6,000 feet. Graham Land extends for 350 miles, connecting eventually to Palmer Land, which is the largest and highest region. The highest point in Graham Land is Mount Francis (9.456 ft.), while the highest in Palmer Land is Mt. Jackson (13,746 ft.).
Wildlife on the peninsula and on the outlying islands includes humpback, sperm, mink, and killer whales, seals, and penguins. Countless millions of other birds inhabit the shoreline as well as the open ocean.
Peaks of Antarctic Peninsula
Check out any of the following peaks for additional information: