Finisterre Range

Finisterre Range
Finisterre Range
Location in Papua New Guinea
Elevation 4,125 m (13,533 ft) [1]
Prominence 3,645 m (11,959 ft) [1]
Ranked 45th
Listing Ultra
Location
Location  Papua New Guinea
Climbing
First ascent Unclimbed

Finisterre Range is a mountain range in north-eastern Papua New Guinea, at . The unnamed highest point of the range , which is ranked 45th in the world by prominence, is usually quoted at 4,175 m, but SRTM data suggests that it is nearer to 4,120 m.[2] With no confirmed successful ascents recorded, this peak is possibly the most prominent unclimbed peak in the world.

The range runs into the Saruwaged Range to the east and together they form a natural barrier between the Ramu and Markham valleys to the south and Vitiaz Strait to the north. Many rivers originate in this range, including some tributaries of the Ramu.

The Finisterre Range campaign (1943–1944) of World War II, including a series of actions known as Battle of Shaggy Ridge, saw fierce fighting between Australian and Japanese forces.

Although the range's high point has no official name, there is a 1942 American Army map which names the peak "Mt. Gladstone".[3]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Finisterre Range High Point, Papua New Guinea" Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 2011-12-21.
  2. ^ "Papua New Guinea Ultra-Prominence Page" – Footnote (1) From Peaklist.org: According to the topographic maps, (HP Finisterre Range) is an unnamed point at 4175m. This is somewhat incompatible with the SRTM data, whose highest cell in the region is only 4120m. Retrieved 2011-12-21.
  3. ^ 1942 American Army map This map calls the peak "Mt. Gladstone" but also states an erroneous elevation of "11400", presumably 11,400 feet (3,475 m). Retrieved 2011-12-21.