Melville Highlands

The Melville Highlands are an ice-covered upland rising to about 1,650 feet and forming the central part of Laurie Island, between Pirie Peninsula and the south coast, in the South Orkney Islands of the British Antarctic Territory.

The name derives from James Weddell's chart of 1825 on which he applied the name "Melville's Island" to Laurie Island, although the latter name was already established. The name honours Robert Dundas, 2nd Viscount Melville, who was First Lord of the Admiralty, 1812–27 and 1828–30, including the period of Antarctic exploration by Weddell. The UK Antarctic Place-Names Committee named the heights the 'Melville Highlands' in 1987 in order to preserve the name.

Location

• Location map: 60°43’59"S, 44°36’0"W

References

• Gazetteer and Map of The British Antarctic Territory: Melville Highlands