A grouping into the following three feature categories is useful when determining the appropriateness of new names for Antarctic features.
First order features:
(1) Regions or lands
(2) Coasts
(3) Extensive mountain ranges, plateaus
(4) Ice shelves, large glaciers
(5) Extensive sub-glacial mountains or valleys
Second order features:
(1) Peninsulas
(2) Mountain ranges
(3) Great or prominent mountains
(4) Glaciers
(5) Prominent capes
(6) Islands, ice rises
(7) Gulfs, large bays, harbours
(8) Straits or passages
(9) Sub-glacial ridges or valleys
Third order features:
(1) Minor mountains or hills, nunataks, cliffs, rocks
(2) Minor glaciers
(3) Lakes, streams
(4) Minor shore features, beaches, points, minor capes
(5) Minor bays, coves
(6) Parts of such features
Features having special significance or prominence in geographic discovery, scientific investigation, or the history of Antarctica may be placed in the next higher category than their size would warrant.
4. Specific elements of geographical names
Non-personal names applied to Antarctic features include:
(1) Names of national or international geography or culture;
(2) Names that commemorate events related to Antarctic exploration;
(3) Names that commemorate organizations involved directly or indirectly in carrying out, organization or funding of Antarctic research;
(4) Names of ships, aircraft or vehicles operating in Antarctica;
(5) Names related to Antarctic science and scientific work;
(6) Names descriptive of shape, colour etc. provided that they are not too general a description.
Because Antarctica has been unveiled through the efforts of explorers, scientists, and others, it has become a common practice to apply the names of such persons to Antarctic features.
Personal names applied to Antarctic features include:
(1) Names of leaders or organizers of expeditions to Antarctica, leaders of field parties and ship captains, members of expeditions, who have made outstanding contribution to the success of an expedition;
