Big Ben is a volcanic massif that dominates the geography of Heard Island. It is a composite cone with a diameter of approximately 25 kilometres. Its highest peak is Mawson Peak, one of only two active volcanoes in Australian territory which is 2,745 m above sea level. Much of it is covered by ice, including 12 major glaciers which descend from Big Ben to the sea.

A smaller volcanic headland, the Laurens Peninsula, extends approximately 10 km to the northwest, created by a separate volcano, Mount Dixon; its highest point is Anzac Peak, at 715 m.

External links

• Location and history of Heard Island

Active volcanoes

Big Ben (Vulkan)