The Jura massif has a new highest point, a peak called “J1”, which reaches 1,720 metres above sea level.

The so-called “J1” peak has now dethroned the Crêt de la Neige. The Jura massif, between France and Switzerland, has a new highest point of 1,720.80 metres above sea level, according to a study by the University of Lausanne, released on Monday 9 September.

Located in the Haut Jura nature reserve in the Ain department, it dethrones the Crêt de la Neige, which reaches 1,718 metres. This is a few centimetres higher than another recently measured peak called “J2”.

“J1 had not attracted attention until now, probably because it is poorly visible, it is surrounded by trees and traditional triangulation calculation methods are based on the intervisibility of the peaks”explains geophysicist György Hetényi, co-author of the study, in a press release.

Its exact coordinates are not disclosed to the public as the mountain is located in a protected area, the scientists explain. Measurements were made using GPS antennas placed on the top of each peak, allowing a margin of error of 5 centimetres for the height of J1.