Cape Purvis

Cape Purvis (63°35′S 55°58′W) is a cape forming the south extremity of Dundee Island, off the north tip of Antarctic Peninsula.^[1] Its topography is that of a promontory which forms a mesa. The rest of the island is smooth.

Composition

The only large, accessible portion of Cape Purvis is at its southwest.^[2] It is composed of recently formed volcanic rock of the James Ross Island Volcanic Group.^[2][3] Cape Purvis is described as a basalt tuya in the Encyclopedia of Quaternary Science.^[4]

The basalts on Cape Purvis have similar composition to lavas on Paulet Island, which is 5 kilometers east of it. Said composition is relatively low in magnesium oxide but high in titanium dioxide, calcium oxide, and niobium.^[2]

Cape Purvis's snow and ice-covered summit boasts an unnamed hill at its northern edge.^[2]

Discovery

It was discovered in December 1842 by Captain James Ross, Royal Navy,^[1][2] and named by him for Commodore (later Rear Admiral) John B. Purvis, Royal Navy, who was of assistance to Ross' expedition.^[1] Of all islands in the James Ross Island Volcanic Group, it is the furthest north. It is also one of the youngest.