Mont Richards

Mont Richards is a mountain peak located in the Kerguelen Archipelago in the southern Indian Ocean. The summit rises 1,081 meters (3,547 feet) above sea level and dominates its surroundings with a prominence of 963 meters (3,159 feet).

The peak received its name during French exploration missions and scientific expeditions in the Kerguelen Islands throughout the 19th century. This naming reflects the era of European expansion and discovery in southern polar regions.

The mountain represents a significant geographical marker for research stations and scientific expeditions studying the subantarctic ecosystems of the French Southern Territories.

Reaching this summit requires special permits from French authorities and transportation by authorized vessels departing from Reunion Island. Visitors should prepare for difficult terrain, extreme weather, and very limited facilities.

The mountain experiences ferocious storms with wind speeds regularly exceeding 150 kilometers per hour (93 miles per hour). Temperatures swing between -10 and 10 degrees Celsius (14 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit), making it one of the wettest and windiest places on Earth.