Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names

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Study of Continents: Europe, Africa, Australia and AntarcticaClass 7 · Geography

History

The committee was established in 1943 as the Special Committee on Antarctic Names (SCAN). It became the Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names in 1947. Fred G. Alberts was Secretary of the Committee from 1949 to 1980.

By 1959, a structured nomenclature was reached, allowing for further exploration, structured mapping of the region and a unique naming system. A 1990 ACAN gazeeter of Antarctica listed 16,000 names.

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Description

The United States does not recognise territorial boundaries within Antarctica, so ACAN assigns names to features anywhere within the continent, in consultation with other national nomenclature bodies where appropriate, as defined by the Antarctic Treaty System. The research and staff support for the ACAN is provided by the United States Geological Survey.

ACAN has a published policy on naming, based on priority of application, appropriateness, and the extent to which usage has become established. The United States Secretary of the Interior is in charge of formally appointing the members of the committee.

Named places

Abbot Ice Shelf, named after R. Admiral James Lloyd Abbot Jr., U. S. Commanding Officer
Anderson Scarp, named after Kent Anderson
Anthony Bluff, named after Captain Alexander Anthony, United States Air Force
Ashworth Glacier, named after Allan C. Ashworth
Banded Bluff, named for the bands of snow and rock on the bluff face
Becker Point, named after Robert A. Becker
Bennett Saddle, named after Gerard A. Bennett, traverse specialist
Beyl Head, named after Commander David D. Beyl, U.S. Navy
Bird Bluff, named after Commander Charles F. Bird
Blessing Bluff, named after Commander George R. Blessing, U.S. Navy
Brandau Glacier, named after James F. Brandau, U.S. Navy
Brandau Rocks, named after James F. Brandau, U.S. Navy
Brien Rocks, named after Robert J. Brien, aviation electronics technician
Brookman Point, named after Lieutenant Peter J. Brookman
Brown Peaks, named after Kenneth R. Brown, biologist
Brown Scarp, named after Arthur J. Brown, Deputy Program Director (1982–90), ITT Antarctic Services, Inc.
Bruner Hill, named after Lieutenant Michael G. Bruner, U.S. Navy
Bucher Rim, named after Peter Bucher, glaciologist
Buntley Bluff, named after Ensign Ronald E. Buntley
Burnette Rock, named after Chief Warrant Officer Desmond Burnette, U.S. Army
Burrage Dome, named after Roy E. Burrage, Jr., construction mechanic
Butler Summit, named after Rhett Butler of Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS)
Callender Peak, named after Lieutenant Gordon W. Callender
Campbell Crag, named after Richard J. (Rick) Campbell
Cantrell Peak, named after Major Robert L. Cantrell, United States Marine Corps
Cape Cornely, named after Joseph R. Cornely, radio operator
Cape Polar Sea, named after the USCGC Polar Sea
Clark Knoll, named after Elton G. Clark, U.S. Navy
Cleft Ledge, named for descriptive features
Clingman Peak, named after Otis Clingman, Jr., biologist
Coor Crags, named after Lieutenant Commander Lawrence W. Coor, U.S. Navy
Cope Hill, named after Lieutenant Winston Cope
Corbet Peak, named after Barry Corbet, member of the 1966–67 American Antarctic Mountaineering Expedition that made the first ascent of Mount Vinson
Cosgrove Ice Shelf, named after Lieutenant Jerome R. Cosgrove, U.S. Navy Reserve, asst. communications Officer
Cousins Rock, named after Michael D. Cousins, ionospheric physicist
Crary Knoll, named after Albert P. Crary, scientist
Creehan Cliff, named after Lieutenant E. Patrick Creehan
Crosson Ice Shelf, named after Commander W.E. Crosson, U.S. Navy, Commanding Officer
Curran Bluff, named after Martin P. Curran
Davey Peak, named after Gary R. Davey, meteorologist
Davis Knoll, named after Thomas C. Davis, Jr., geologist
Davis Saddle, named after Clinton S. Davis, U.S. Navy
DeMaster Point, named after Douglas P. DeMaster, biologist
DeVries Bluff, named after Arthur L. DeVries, biologist, in conjunction with DeVries Glacier
Dickinson Rocks, named after David N. Dickinson, construction mechanic
Dickson Icefalls, named after Donald T. Dickson, glaciologist
Dickson Pillar, named after Paul B. Dickson, photographer
Dillon Peak, named after Raymond D. Dillon, biologist
Dipboye Cirque, named after Richard L. Dipboye, helicopter pilot
Dorrel Rock, named after Leo E. Dorrel, U.S. Navy
Dotson Ice Shelf, named after Lieutenant William A. Dotson, U. S. Navy, Officer in Charge of the Ice Reconnaissance Unit of the Naval Oceanographic Office
Douglas Gap, named after Donald S. Douglas, biologist
Downs Cone, named after Bill S. Downs
Draves Point, named after Dale Draves, U.S. Navy
Dreary Isthmus, named for descriptive features
Dudley Head, originally named Mount Dudley by Ernest Shackleton and later amended
Durrance Inlet, Lieutenant Frank M. Durrance, Jr., U.S. Navy Reserve
Ellis Cone, named after Homer L. Ellis, U.S. Navy
England Ridge, named in conjunction with Mount England
English Rock, named after Claude L. English, Jr.
Eubanks Point, named after Staff Sergeant Leroy E. Eubanks
Evans Knoll, named after Donald J. Evans
Everett Spur, named after Kaye R. Everett, geologist
Favela Rocks, named after Rafael Favela, Jr., U.S. Navy equipment operator
Favreau Pillar, named after Robert D. Favreau
Ferri Ridge, named after Guy Ferri
Fields Peak, named after Master Sergeant Samuel J. Fields
Fleming Head, named after John P. Fleming
Folk Ridge, named after John E. Folk, biolab technician
Fontaine Bluff, named after Lieutenant Commander R.K. Fontaine, U.S. Navy
Foreman Peak, named after Donald L. Foreman, mechanic
Fowler Knoll, named after Chief Warrant Officer George W. Fowler, U.S. Army
Frost Cliff, named after William L. Frost, U.S. Navy
Fry Peak, named after Frederick M. Fry, U.S. Navy Flight Surgeon
Furman Bluffs, named after James L. Furman, U.S. Navy staff assistant
Garwood Point, named after James W. Garwood, U.S. Navy metalsmith
Gealy Spur, named after William J. Gealy
Gerrish Peaks, named after Samuel D. Gerrish, ionospheric physics researcher
Gibbon Nunatak, named after Thomas L. Gibbon
Glover Cirque, named after Robert P. Glover, cartographer
Good Glacier, named after Vice Adm. Roscoe F. Good, logistical support
Grass Bluff, named after Robert D. Grass, meteorologist
Gray Rock, named after Alvin M. Gray, radioscience researcher
Greene Ridge, named after Charles R. Greene, Jr., ionospheric scientist
Gregory Rock, named after Elmer D. Gregory, aviation maintenance line crew supervisor
Grew Peak, named after Edward Grew
Groux Rock, named after Roger G. Groux, U.S. Navy shipfitter
Harrison Ice Ridge, named after William D. Harrison
Harvey Peak, named after Paul Harvey, aviation support
Hatch Outcrop, named after Ross Hatch, U.S. Navy
Haver Peak, named after D.J. Haver, U.S. Navy
Hawthorne Bluff, named after Ann Parks Hawthorne, photographer
Hofman Hill, named after Robert J. Hofman, biologist
Heathcock Peak, named after Joe Day Heathcock, U.S. Navy
Helios Ridge, named in conjunction with Mount Helios
Hill Peaks, named after Joseph Hill, Jr., mechanic and driver
Jacobel Glacier, named after Robert W. Jacobel
John Nunatak, named after Orlan F. John, American steelworker, U.S. Navy
Johnson Bluff, named after Dwight L. Johnson, biologist
Jones Ridge, originally named Cape Jones after Dr. Sydney Evan Jones and later reassigned
Kamenev Nunatak, named after Yevgeniy N. Kamenev, Soviet geologist
Kay Peak, named after Lieutenant Commander W. Kay
Kellogg Valley, named after husband and wife glacial geologists Thomas B. Kellogg and Davida E. Kellogg
Kelmelis Hills, named after John A. Kelmelis, cartographer
Kemp Rock, named after William R. Kemp, U.S. Navy
Kennedy Ridge, named after Nadene Kennedy, polar coordination specialist
Kennel Peak, named after A. Alexander Kennel, ionospheric physicist
Kerr Inlet, named in conjunction with Cape Kerr
Kessler Peak, named after Captain Charles L. Kessler
Kieffer Knoll, named after Hugh H. Kieffer, glaciologist
Klinck Nunatak, named after Jay C. Klinck, U.S. Navy construction mechanic
Koci Cliffs, named after Bruce R. Koci
Kohler Head, named after John L. Kohler, U.S. Navy construction electrician
Kolich Point, named afterThomas M. Kolich, geophysicist
Koltermann Peak, named after Major David Koltermann
Komhyr Ridge, named after Walter D. Komhyr, meteorologist
Kooyman Peak, named after Gerald L. Kooyman, biologist
Kristensen Rocks, named after Captain Leonard Kristensen
LaForrest Rock, named after B.A. LaForrest
Lake Discovery, named in conjunction with Discovery Glacier and Mount Discovery
Lake Eggers, named after Alan J. Eggers
Lasher Spur, named after Lieutenant William J. Lasher, U.S. Navy
Lear Spire, named after D'Ann Figard Lear, librarian
Leibert Cirque, named after Gregg Leibert, helicopter pilot
Lemasters Bluff, named after Lieutenant Max E. Lemasters, U.S. Navy
Lepley Nunatak, named after Larry K. Lepley, oceanographer
Lie Cliff, named after Hans P. Lie, ionospheric physicist
Lowry Bluff, named after George Lowry, biologist
MacDonald Point, named after James H. MacDonald, journalist
McCarthy Point, named after Lieutenant J.F. McCarthy, U.S. Navy
MacMillan Point, named after Mark T. MacMillan, research assistant
Mahalak Bluffs, named after Lieutenant Lawrence W. Mahalak, Jr., U.S. Navy
Maish Nunatak, named after F. Michael Maish, ionospheric physicist
Marinovic Beach, named after Baldo Marinovic
Marsh Ridge, named after Robert D. Marsh, cook
Matsumoto Pond, named after Genki I. Matsumoto, Japanese chemist
Mayewski Peak, named after Paul A. Mayewski
McIntosh Cliffs, named after William C. McIntosh
McKnight Creek, named after Diane McKnight, research hydrologist
Melcon Peak, named after Mark ("Commander") Melcon, carpenter
Midkiff Rock, named after Frank T. Midkiff, Jr., aviation machinist's mate, U.S. Navy
Milan Rock, named after Frederick T. Milan, aviation structural mechanic, U.S. Navy
Miller Spur, named after Linwood T. Miller, sailmaker
Mims Spur, named after Julius E. Mims, Jr., radio operator
Mirfak Nunatak, named after the USNS Mirfak cargo vessel
Mizar Nunataks, named after the USNS Mizar cargo vessel
Mohaupt Point, named after H.E. Mohaupt, U.S. Navy
Moran Bluff, named after Gerald F. Moran, U.S. Navy
Morris Basin, named after Robert W. Morris, biologist
Morse Nunataks, named after Oliver C. Morse III, ionospheric scientist
Motherway Island, named after Paul T. Motherway
Mount Dolber, named after Captain Sumner R. Dolber
Mount Gaberlein, named after William E. Gaberlein, Chief Construction Electrician, U.S. Navy
Mount Gester, named after Lieutenant Ronald L. Gester, seismologist/geomagnetist
Mount Griffin, named after Chief Warrant Officer Joe R. Griffin, U.S. Army
Mount Heg, named after James E. Heg, Chief of the Polar Planning and Coordination Staff in the Office of Polar Programs, National Science Foundation
Mount Keinath, named after Gerald E. Keinath, biolab administrator
Mount Knauff, named after Major General Robert A. Knauff, chief of staff of the New York Air National Guard
Mount Manger, named after William Manger
Mount Matthias, named after Jack Matthias, Lieutenant Commander Jack M. Matthias, United States Navy
Mount Meunier, named after Tony Kenneth Meunier, cartographer and physical scientist
Mount Montreuil, named after Paul L. Montreuil, biologist
Mount Obiglio, named after Lieutenant G.M. Obiglio, Argentine naval observer
Mount Otis, named afterJack Otis
Mount Rath, named after Arthur E. Rath, electronics technician
Mount Seitz, named after Thomas E. Seitz, Chief Construction Mechanic, U.S. Navy
Mount Sinha, named after Akhouri Sinha
Mount Slaughter, named after John Brooks Slaughter, director of the National Science Foundation
Mount Stierer, named after Byron A. Stierer, Airman First Class, United States Air Force
Mount Suggs, named after Henry E. Suggs, equipment operator
Mount Sumner, named after Joseph W. Sumner
Mount Wheat, named after Lieutenant Commander Luther William Wheat
Mulligan Peak, named after John J. Mulligan
Murray Pond, named after D.F.C. Murray, driller
Musson Nunatak, named after John M. Musson
Oeschger Bluff, named after Hans Oeschger, glaciologist
Oliver Island, named after David L. Oliver, U.S. Navy cook
Olson Peaks, named after Gary D. Olson
Paine Ridge, named after Roland D. Paine
Paz Cove, named after H.J. Paz
Pentecost Cirque, named after John S. Pentecost, helicopter pilot
Pine Island Glacier, named after Pine Island Bay
Pinet Butte, named after Paul R. Pinet, geologist
Poindexter Peak, named after Monte F. Poindexter, meteorologist
Polar Subglacial Basin, named for geographical features
Post Ridge, named after Madison J. Post, ionospheric physicist
Powell Hill, named after James A. Powell, U.S. Navy
Raymond Ice Ridge, named after Charles F. Raymond, Professor Emeritus at the University of Washington
Redondo Point, originally named by Argentina in 1957
Reid Ridge, named after John R. Reid, Jr., glaciologist
Reilly Rocks, named after Gerald E. Reilly, Jr., USCG, machinery technician
Renirie Rocks, named after Jack Renirie
Reynolds Nunatak, named after Clifford E. Reynolds, electrician
Reuning Glacier, named after Winifred M. Reuning, editor of the Antarctic Journal of the United States (1980-2015)
Rice Ridge, named afterLieutenant Commander Robert A. Rice, U.S. Navy
Rowe Bluff, named after Lieutenant Commander Gary L. Rowe
Rust Bluff, named after Izak C. Rust, professor of geology
Sayen Rocks, named after L.D. Sayen, photographer
Scharon Bluff, named after LeRoy H. Scharon
Sechrist Peak, named after Frank S. Sechrist
Schroeder Hill, named after Henry B. Schroeder, meteorologist
Sentry Rocks, named for geographic features
Serlin Spur, named after Ronald C. Serlin, ionospheric physicist
Sevier Nunatak, named after Lieutenant Commander Moses T Sevier, U.S. Navy
Siren Rock, named after Jan C. Siren, radio scientist
Slusher Nunatak, named after Harold E. Slusher, meteorologist
Snyder Peak, named after David R. Snyder, aviation electronics technician
Spilhaus Inlet, named after Athelstan Spilhaus, meteorologist and oceanographer
Spillway Icefall, named for descriptive features
Standifer Bluff, named after J.N. Standifer
Stanton Hills, named after Lieutenant Commander Ronald A. Stanton, USN, command pilot of an LC-130 Hercules aircraft
Stepping Stone Pond, named for location features
Stuart Point, named after Frederick D. Stuart, captain's clerk
Suggs Peak, named after James D. Suggs, geologist
Teardrop Pond, named for descriptive features
Temnikow Nunataks, named after Nicolas Temnikow, biologist
Thwaites Glacier, named after Fredrik T. Thwaites
Tighe Rock, named after Robert F. Tighe, electrical engineer
Todd Hill, named after Ronald L. Todd, cartographer
Trabucco Cliff, named after William J. Trabucco, ionospheric physicist
Tucker Point, named after Robert L. Tucker, U.S. Navy meteorologist
Tuning Nunatak, named after Preston O. Tuning, meteorologist
Tur Peak, named after Lieutenant Juan J. Tur, U.S. Navy Reserve, medical officer
Velie Nunatak, named after Edward C. Velie, meteorologist
Venable Ice Shelf, named after Cdm. J.D. Venable, U.S. Navy, Ships Operations Officer
Wahlstrom Peak, named after Richard W. Wahlstrom
Walker Rocks, named after Carson B. Walker
Virginia Valley, named after Ross A. Virginia, Environmental Studies Department, Dartmouth College
Walts Cliff, named after Dennis S. Walts, meteorologist
Watanuki Pond, named after Kunihiki Watanuki, Department of Chemistry, University of Tokyo
Whitcomb Ridge, named after Jean P. Whitcomb, radio scientist
Whited Inlet, named after Master Chief Quartermaster Robert J. Whited, U.S. Navy, Leading Chief
Wiest Bluff, named after William G. Wiest, ionospheric scientist
Williams Pond, named after M.W. (Max) Williams, driller
Williamson Glacier Tongue, named after John G. Williamson
Wold Nunatak, named after Richard J. Wold, geologist
Wunneburger Rock, named after Henry E. Wunneburger, U.S. Navy, cook

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