Van Reeth Glacier

From Encyclopedia Westarctica
Jump to navigation Jump to search
The Van Reeth Glacier, situated between the Gothic and La Gorce Mountains

The Van Reeth Glacier (86°25′S 148°0′W) is a tributary glacier about 20 nautical miles (37 km) long, draining westward to the Scott Glacier between Mounts Blackburn and Bowlin, in the Queen Maud Mountains of Westarctica.

Discovery and name

It was discovered in December 1934 by the Byrd Antarctic Expedition geological party under Quin Blackburn, and was named by the Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names for Commander Eugene W. Van Reeth, a pilot with U.S. Navy Squadron VX-6 in Antarctica during Operation Deep Freeze 1966, 1967 and 1968, and squadron commander in 1969. Later in his career, Commander Van Reeth was promoted to captain, and eventually became the commanding officer of Operation Deep Freeze Task Force 43 in the 1970s.

Peerage title

On 16 August 2023, Ng Kwok Lun, Alanardo was granted the peerage title Duke Van Reeth in recognition of his support of Westarctica. The title is named for this glacier.