Wherever this question is asked, the answer will always be Mount Everest. However, few people think about the meaning of this question. Most people on the planet won't try to think twice and will immediately answer it the same way. Everest. Therefore, it is not for nothing that when we compare the highest mountains on other planets in our solar system (for example, Mount Olympus on Mars), then we definitely put Everest in comparison. The truth is, Everest is not the highest point on the planet.
The peculiarity of our planet is such that instead of an ideal sphere, the Earth is a flattened spheroid. Therefore, those places that are near the equator, as a rule, are much farther from the center of the planet than those that are at its poles. Given this fact, then Everest, like all the Himalayas, can hardly be called the highest point on the planet.
Earth as a sphere
The understanding that the Earth is a spherical body came to people as early as the 6th century BC. The ancient Greeks were the first to know about this. And although this theory is attributed to Pythagoras, it is likely that it could equally well have appeared by itself as a result of travel between Greek settlements. The fact is that sailors began to notice changes in the position and visibility of stars, depending on the chosen geographical latitude.
Planet Earth. View from space to the western hemisphere
By the 3rd century BC, the theory of a spherical earth began to acquire quite scientific significance. By measuring the angle of falling shadows in various geographical locations, Eratosthenes (276 BC - 194 BC) - the Greek astronomer from Cyrene (the territory of modern Libya) - was able to calculate the circumference of the Earth with an error of 5-15 percent ... With the rise of the Roman Empire and the adoption of Hellenistic astronomy, the theory of a spherical earth spread throughout the Mediterranean and Europe.
This knowledge was preserved thanks to its transmission from generation to generation by monks, as well as thanks to the scholasticism of the Middle Ages. By the era of the Renaissance and the revolution in science (mid-16th - late 18th century), geological and heliocentric views were established in science. With the advent of modern astronomy, more accurate measurement methods and the ability to look at the Earth from space, mankind was still able to see the true shape and size of our planet.
Modern Earth Models
Let's clarify the situation a little: the Earth is not an ideal sphere, but it is not flat either. In the first case, I want to ask for forgiveness from Galileo, in the second - from the flat Earth society. As mentioned above, the Earth has the shape of a flattened spheroid, which, in turn, is a consequence of the peculiarity of rotation. At the poles, it seems to be flattened, and at the equatorial part, it is elongated. Many space objects in the solar system have the same shape (take at least Jupiter or Saturn). Even rapidly rotating stars, such as one of the brightest, Altair, have the same shape.
Data from the 2014 Global Earth Model, where brighter colors indicate points farthest from the center of the Earth
Based on some recent measurements, it has been established that the polar radius of the Earth (that is, the distance from the center of the planet to one pole or another) is 6356.8 kilometers, while the equatorial radius (from the center to the equator) is 6378.1 kilometers. In other words, objects along the equator are 22 kilometers farther from the center of the Earth (geocenter) than objects located at the poles.
Naturally, it is worth considering some topographic changes in certain areas, where some objects located near the equator are closer to the center, while others are farther from the center of the Earth, in comparison with other objects in a particular region. The most notable exceptions are the Mariana Trench (the deepest place on Earth, 10,911 meters deep) and Mount Everest, which is 8,848 meters above sea level. However, these two geological features represent very little difference when considering the general shape of the Earth. The difference in this case is only 0.17 percent and 0.14 percent, respectively.
Highest point on earth
In fairness, we note that Everest is indeed one of the highest points on our planet. The height at its peak is 8848 meters above sea level. However, due to its location in the Himalayan chain (27 degrees 59 minutes north of the equator), it is actually lower than the mountains located in Ecuador.
Mount Chimborazo
It is here, where the Andes mountain range is located, that the highest point on planet Earth is located. The height of Chimborazo Mountain is 6263.47 meters above sea level. However, due to its location (1 degree 28 minutes south of the equator) in the highest bulging part of the planet, its total height from the geocenter is about 21 kilometers.
View of Mount Everest from the top of Kala Pathar
If we consider the issue in terms of the distance to the geocenter, Everest is located at a distance of 6382 kilometers from the center of the Earth, while Chimborazo is located at 6384 kilometers. The rounding difference is only about 3.2 kilometers, which at first glance may seem quite insignificant. However, when it comes to the ranks of the "best", you need to be precise.
Of course, even after such explanations, there will be people who will say with confidence that Mount Everest is still the highest point on the planet, if we consider its height from the foot (base) to the peak. Unfortunately, they are wrong here too. Because in this case, the title of the highest mountain goes to Mount Mauna Kea, a shield volcano located on the island of Hawaii. The height of the mountain from the base to the very top at Mauna Kea is 10,206 meters. This is the highest mountain on our planet. However, most of the mountain goes several thousand meters deep into the ocean, and therefore we can only see its peak 4207 meters high.
However, those who consider Everest the highest mountain according to its height above sea level will be right. If we consider its height as the height above sea level, then Everest is indeed the highest mountain in the world.
The power of nature scares and at the same time delights. The proofs of her strength are deep crevices and the highest peaks of the planet. Everest is called the top of the world, and it really is. However, not everyone knows which is the highest mountain in the world. Yes, there are giants that exceed the size of the famous Chomolungma. But what they are and where they are - read on.
The largest and highest mountain on the planet is the shield volcano Mauna Kea. It is located on an island in the Hawaiian archipelago. Its size is shocking. If you put this natural colossus next to Everest, then the latter will seem like a small hill.
For comparison: the height of Mauna Kea from the foot to the top is 10 203 m, and Everest is 3550 m. Feel the difference ?! So why is the Himalayan peak given the palm?
The thing is that Mauna Kea originates under water, where most of the volcano is hidden. The top of the mountain above sea level is at an altitude of 4205 m, while Chomolungma rises to 8848 m.
The Hawaiian giant is about a million years old. The active "youth" helped the volcano grow to such dimensions. Since its birth, Mauna Kea has regularly erupted for 500 thousand years, then activity began to decline. Now the volcano is considered extinct. According to rough estimates, the last eruption took place 4-6 thousand years ago.
This amount of volcanic rock concentrated in one point exerts tremendous pressure on the earth's crust. Its total volume is about 3200 km3. It's hard to imagine how much it weighs, but this mass is enough to push the Pacific Plate six kilometers.
Mauna Kea is translated as ‘White Mountain’. The indigenous people could not call it otherwise, because this is the only place in the Hawaiian Islands where snow falls in winter. Local tribes consider the mountain sacred, only the leaders have the right to climb it. Unfortunately, and perhaps fortunately, this does not stop the Europeans.
On the one hand, on the lower part of the volcano, for the sake of the development of the sugar industry, wild forests were practically destroyed; on the other, the summit of Mauna Kea is a great place to explore space. Since 1964, 13 observatories have been built here. The question - whether it was worth doing, given the sacredness of the mountain - still causes heated debate.
The highest mountains in the world: list
The dream of any climber is to conquer the main peaks of the world. There are seven of them on the list, one for each continent and region of the Earth. We propose to briefly talk about each of them:
- His Majesty is Everest.
Has several more names. In Tibet, the mountain is called Chomolungma (Divine Mother) or Jomo Gang Kar (Holy Mother, white as snow). The Nepalese call the highest peak - Sagarmatha.
This is one of the most violent places on the planet. Not everyone will be able to reach at least the base camp, which is located at an altitude of about 5000 m. What can we say about the top.
The air temperature on the mountain in the warm season does not rise above zero degrees, and in winter it varies from -36 in the daytime to -60 degrees at night. Add to this the violent winds, which sometimes reach 200 km / h, and you will understand that the smallest problem here can turn into a disaster.
In the off-season, few will challenge grief, because it is akin to suicide. Since the first ascent in 1953, Everest has taken the lives of more than 250 people, their bodies are still there. To pick them up, you need to equip the expedition, and this is very expensive. The fees for the rise alone are up to 25 thousand dollars. No matter how cynical it may sound, many corpses serve as landmarks for climbers.
- The second height of the world is Aconcagua.
Located in Argentina and is part of the Andes - the longest mountain system in the world, stretching for 11,000 km. Translated from the Quechua language, "Aconcagua" means 'Stone Guard'. Looking at the mountain, you understand that this name was not given to it in vain.
The massive and majestic Aconcagua really resembles a stone giant. The height of the mountain above sea level reaches 6961 m. Technically, it is not considered too difficult to conquer. The record for ascent and descent belongs to Karl Egloff: his time is 11 hours 52 minutes. Even children went up here. The youngest climber was only nine years old.
The weather is relatively mild. The average temperature at the summit is 20 degrees below zero, much colder at night. The humidity here is low, but strong winds will not let a person forget where he is.
- Presidential Mount McKinley.
Located in Alaska, 210 km north of Anchorage. It occupies the third position in height above sea level - 6190 m. In fact, it is a huge granite block that has crawled out of the ground as a result of tectonic activity. It happened about 60 million years ago.
The mountain was often renamed. It was originally called Denali, which means ‘great’ in translation from the language of the Athabasca Indians. When the Russians came to Alaska, the granite giant was simply called Big Mountain. In 1896, when Alaska ceded to the United States, the mountain was named after President William McKinley. However, in 2015, the first name was returned to her.
Based on the statistics of ascents, this peak is far from everyone's teeth. Only 58% of attempts are successful. Since 1913, the mountain has claimed the lives of over 100 people. Weather conditions and lack of oxygen do not stop people, even if they have to go alone in winter. This was done by Lony Dupre, who successfully climbed Denali and descended unharmed on January 11, 2015.
- Kilimanjaro.
The highest point in Africa - 5892 m. It is located in Tanzania and is a potentially active volcano. Presumably, the last eruption took place 200 thousand years ago, but the lava has not gone anywhere. It is located under a crater at a depth of 400 m.
Kilimanjaro has three peaks, which are separate volcanoes:
- Shira - 3962 m;
- Mavenzi - 5149 m;
- Kobo - 5892 m.
A distinctive feature of the mountain is the ice cap, which has not left the summit for 11 thousand years, since the last ice age. However, over the past hundred years, due to deforestation and a decrease in precipitation, the glacier has decreased by 80%.
One of the easiest peaks to climb. The first documented assault took place in 1889. It was made by a group of climbers led by Hans Meyer. Trained climbers can climb to the summit and descend back in 10 hours. For beginners, due to the need for acclimatization, it takes 5 days.
- The highest mountain in Europe is Elbrus.
It belongs to the same type of mountains as Kilimanjaro - a stratovolcano. The last eruption took place around 50 AD. e. It has a saddle shape with two peaks: the eastern one - 5621 m; western - 5642 m.
The mountain is shrouded in many glaciers with a total area of \u200b\u200b134.5 km2. Melt water flowing down the slopes of Elbrus feeds several large rivers: Kuban, Baksan and Malka. The weather here changes from bad to good every 5-7 days. It can be hot in summer - 25–35 degrees, in winter at an altitude of 3,000 m the temperature drops to –12–20 degrees.
From the point of view of mountaineering, Elbrus is not particularly difficult to climb, however, there are several extreme routes. The peak was stormed even on a motorcycle in 1963 and a car in 1997.
- Vinson Peak is the highest point on the sixth continent.
The mountain is part of the massif of the same name, which is located 1200 km from the South Pole and stretches 21 km in length and 13 km in width. The highest point is 4897 m above sea level.
American pilots discovered Vinson Peak in 1957, and after 9 years climber Nicholas Clinch conquered its summit. Despite the aggressive conditions of Antarctica, it is relatively comfortable here in summer. In the tents of the assault camp, the temperature is kept in the range of 0-10 degrees Celsius. During the ascent, the thermometer often drops below thirty-five degrees.
- Pyramid of Carstens, or Punchak-Jaya.
Located on the island of New Guinea. Its peak is considered the highest point in Oceania and Australia - 4884 m, and according to some sources - 5030 meters. Jaya Peak was discovered by European explorer Jan Carstens in 1623.
Arriving in Holland, he told about the glacier he had seen, for which he was ridiculed. Like, where is the glacier in the tropics from ?! However, they laughed at him in vain. What he saw was one of the highest mountains in the world.
Despite such an early discovery, the first ascent took place only 339 years later. A group of climbers led by Heinrich Harrer stormed the mountain in 1962.
Highest mountain in Kazakhstan
On the border with Kyrgyzstan and China, on the Tien Shan ridge, the majestic and cold Khan Tengri rises. This is the highest point in Kazakhstan - 7010 m above sea level. The name of the mountain is Turkic and translates as 'Lord of Heaven'.
Externally, Khan-Tengri is a natural pyramid with regular edges. The top of the mountain is covered with 15 meters of ice. In pagan times, people believed that the supreme God lives there, who rules the whole world from there.
The first mentions of the mountain are found in the writings of ancient explorers and adventurers. As for the modern study, it began in the middle of the 19th century, when the geographer P. Semenov made a detailed description of the mountain.
The first successful assault on Khan Tengri took place on September 11, 1931. The climbers from the Ukrainian expedition became heroes. It was headed by Mikhail Pogrebetsky, Boris Tyurin and Franz Sauber. Athletes for a long time and scrupulously thought over and worked out the ascent route. As a result, it was decided to walk along the southern and southwestern side of the mountain.
Khan-Tengri is famous not only for its beauty, but also for regular accidents. The mountain picks up several people every season. 2004 was especially gloomy. Then, during the ascent, a Polish climber died, and a month later, due to an avalanche at an altitude of 5000 m, a group of 50 people was trapped. While the rescue operation was underway, 11 climbers from Russia, Ukraine and the Czech Republic were killed.
The highest mountains in the world annually attract hundreds of daredevils who risk their lives for the indescribable feeling of unity with nature. They can be understood, because the one who once ascended to the top wants to repeat it again and again. Even Vysotsky wrote: "The whole world is in the palm of your hand - you are happy and mute and only a little envious of those others who still have their summit ahead."
Answering the question about what is the highest point in the world, almost every high school student will confidently answer that it is. Other common names for the peak are Chomolungma and Sagarmatha. The summit lies at an altitude of 8848 meters above sea level. This indicator is recorded in numerous scientific papers and textbooks.
Location
The highest point of the world on the map is located on the border of states such as Nepal and China. The summit belongs to the Great Himalayas mountain range. At the same time, it should be noted that, based on the data that are all the time provided by instruments at the peak, as well as with the help of satellites, the researchers have proven that Everest, in the literal sense of the word, does not stand still. The fact is that the mountain is constantly changing its own moving to the northeast from India towards China. According to scientists, the reason for this lies in the fact that they constantly move and creep one on top of the other.
Opening
The highest point in the world was discovered in 1832. Then the expedition, consisting of the staff of the British Geodetic Service, was engaged in the study of some peaks that were located on Indian territory in the Himalayas. During the execution of the work, British scientists noted that one of the peaks (which until then was marked everywhere as "Peak 15") is higher in comparison with other mountains that make up the ridge. This observation was documented, after which the peak began to be called Everest - in honor of the head of the geodetic service.
Significance to locals
The fact that the world is Everest, the locals assumed several centuries before the moment of its official discovery by European researchers. They respected the peak very much and named it Chomolungma, which literally translated from the local language means “the goddess - mother of the Earth”. As far as Nepal is concerned, here it is known as Sagarmatha (heavenly peak). Residents of the nearby mountain areas say that at this peak, death and life are separated by a half-step, and people from all directions of the world are equal before God, regardless of their religion. During the Middle Ages, a monastery was built at the foot of Everest, which is called Ronkbuk. The structure has survived to this day and is still inhabited.
Other opinions on altitude
In 1954, a number of studies and measurements of the summit were carried out using various instruments and aerial photography. According to their results, it was officially established that the highest point in the world has a height of 8848 meters. It should be noted that, compared to our time, the technique used then was not so accurate. This gave some scientists a reason to assert that the real indicator of the height of Chomolungma differs from the official value.
In particular, at the end of 1999 in Washington, within the framework of the meeting of the National Geographic Society, a proposal was made to consider that Everest lies above sea level at an altitude of 8850 meters, in other words, two meters higher. Members of the organization supported this idea. This event was preceded by the research of several expeditions led by a famous American scientist named Branford Washbourne. First, he brought high-precision electronic equipment to the summit with his people. Subsequently, this allowed the researcher, using a satellite, to record the slightest deviations in the height of the mountain (in comparison with the previous data). Thus, the scientist was able to quite clearly show the growth dynamics of Chomolungma. Moreover, Washbourne identified the periods of the most significant increase in peak height.
Everest's growth process
The Himalayas are considered one of the most recent geological belts to form on our planet. In this regard, the process of their development is quite active (in comparison with others). Unsurprisingly, the world's highest point continues to rise. Studies show that the most intense growth becomes during high seismic activity not only on the Eurasian continent itself, but also on the entire planet. For example, during the first half of 1999 alone, the height of the mountain increased by three centimeters. Several years ago, a geologist from Italy A. Desio, using modern radio equipment, found that now the summit of Chomolungma is at an elevation of 8872.5 meters above sea level, which is 25 meters higher than the officially recorded value.
The largest mountain on earth
There is no doubt that the highest point in the world is Mount Everest. At the same time, calling it the largest mountain on the planet will not be entirely correct. The fact is that, judging by such an indicator as the total height, the largest should be called the Mauna Kea mountain, located not far from Hawaii. The peak rises above sea level only 4206 meters. Together with this, its base lies at a depth of more than ten thousand meters under water. Thus, the total size of Mauna Kea exceeds that of Everest by almost two times.
Other highest points of the planet
Be that as it may, each of the continents has the most outstanding peak. The names of the highest mountains in the world by continent are as follows. The highest in South America and the second after Everest on the planet is Aconcagua peak (6959 meters), which is part of the Andes and is located in Argentina. Peak McKinley (6194 meters) is located in the US state of Alaska and closes the top three world leaders in this indicator. Elbrus (5642 meters) is considered the highest in Europe, and Kilimanjaro (5895 meters) in Africa. There is also a record holder in Antarctica. The highest mountain here is Vinson (4892 meters).
Our planet contains many secrets and mysteries. Most of them are hidden in the highest mountains on Earth. There is an opinion that the first people came down from the mountains when the great water began to recede.
Hundreds of thousands of archaeologists, historians, topographers, geographers, biologists and ordinary travelers every year make a pilgrimage to the great mountains that are most closely associated with the word eternity.
The 7 highest peaks in the world are not the highest mountains on the planet, they are the highest points of every continent.
There is even an informal society of climbers called the 7 Summits Club, which includes people who have successfully climbed all 7 mountains.
For the first time this idea appeared in 1981, since then very few have been able to climb all 7 peaks of the world.
There are some disagreements, and specifically they relate to the highest point of Australia and Oceania. If we take into account only the continent of Australia, then the highest point will be the peak of Kosciushko (or Kosciuszko), which is 2,228 meters above sea level. But many disagree, as the peak is of no climbing interest.
If we take into account Australia and Oceania, then the highest point is the Carstens Pyramid, or Punchak Jaya, which is 4,884 meters above sea level, located in Indonesia. In order to avoid eternal disputes, today there are two programs for climbing 7 peaks. Everyone chooses the peak that he considers correct, in any case it will be counted as the conquest of 7 peaks of the world.
Some manage to climb 8 peaks, thus leaving no room for innuendo.
The very first conqueror and creator of the idea was Dick Bass, who completed the program on April 30, 1985 by climbing Mount Everest. In its version, Kostsyushko peak was included in the program.
The first with a version of both mountains of Australia and Oceania was Reinhold Messner, who was not satisfied with the role of the second, and he decided to conquer all 8 peaks.
The race for records in climbing 7 peaks of the world has been dragging on for a long time, and every year there are new records and new disagreements. There is a special site where detailed and clear statistics about each ascent are kept.
What mountains attract the conquerors of the peaks so much that they beckon them up. Quoting the first person who climbed Mount Everest, you can say: "I climb this peak because it is."
The second name of the mountain is Chomolungma. Height above sea level - 8,848 meters. This is the highest point in Asia and the whole world, according to all versions. It is located on the border of Nepal and China, it is today, several hundred people every year try to conquer the roof of the world, but not everyone succeeds. Every year, many die in pursuit of their dreams.
Despite all these factors, over 1,000 people have already visited the top of the mountain. The cost of the ascent will be about $ 40,000.
Carstens pyramid... The second name is Punchak-Jaya. Height above sea level - 4,884 meters. Located on the island of New Guinea. The summit itself is not difficult.
Difficulty and discomfort is caused by the inaccessibility and unusual climate. The cost of the ascent will be about $ 19,000.
Height above sea level - 2,228 meters. For climbers, this mountain is not of interest, since you can climb it without special preparation. It is rather a check mark, in the list of 7 peaks of the world.
The cost of the ascent will be about $ 5,000.
I would also like to note some records associated with the conquest of the 7 highest peaks of 7 continents.
The youngest conqueror of the 7 summits program was Jordan Romero at the age of 15. The oldest conqueror of the program was Carlos Soria, aged 71.
This proves once again that the impossible is possible, you just have to want. And if you are now sitting on the couch and reading this article, then get up and go to conquer the highest point in the district, for example, climb up a 20-storey building on foot.
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What do nature lovers, hikers and adventure seekers have in common? They all know how to appreciate the natural beauty of the world, and for good reason. You don't need to be an ardent naturalist to appreciate all the wealth of nature on our planet. In the end, this is the only way we can thank her for an interesting and mysterious world. We offer you a list of the ten most outstanding geographical features of our planet.
As you might have guessed, now we will talk about Everest - the highest point in the world. Everest's height is 8844 meters above sea level. This summit is on the list of destinations to conquer for every decent adventurer. First discovered in the 1850s, the mountain was named after Inspector General George Everest, who, ironically, never saw this peak. Despite all the romance of the idea of \u200b\u200bconquering this peak, climbing Everest is a rather dangerous activity that has already managed to take the lives of several people.
9. The lowest point in the world
The lowest point in the world is the Dead Sea, which is 434 meters below sea level. Moreover, over the past 40 years, it has dropped even lower (almost 25 meters). One of the most interesting phenomena of the Dead Sea is the bloom of red algae, due to which it changes color at one moment. This happened in 1980 and 1992.
8. The northernmost point of the planet
No, this is not the North Pole. From the point of view of the entire globe, this would be the North Pole, but not from the point of view of land - this is Kaffeklubben Island (Greenland), located in the Arctic Ocean. This island is located 443.3 kilometers from the North Pole and was first discovered by Robert Peary (explorer of the American part of the Arctic) in 1900. The name was invented by the Danish explorer Lauge Koch in 1921. As strange as it may sound, but Kaffeklubben translated from Danish means "Coffee Club", today few people can explain what exactly Lauge was guided by when he came up with such a name.
7. The southernmost point of the planet
This time it is indeed the South Pole, located in Antarctica. This place rises only 100 meters above sea level, although the ice cover here reaches a thickness of 2,700 meters. Interesting fact: at the South Pole you can only witness sunrise and sunset once a year, in September and March, respectively.
6. The most remote island on the planet
Bouvet Island is one of the loneliest islands in the world. It is located in the South Atlantic Ocean and is part of Norway. It is a completely volcanic island, and its central part is covered with an ice crust. In fact, it is a huge extinct volcano. was first discovered by Jean-Baptiste Charles Bouvet de Lozier on January 1, 1739, and a little later was named after its discoverer. The island is uninhabited, its area is 59 square kilometers, and the height above sea level is 935 meters.
5. The largest island
The largest island in the world is Greenland. Its surface area is 2,166,086 square kilometers. Initially, the island was under the control of Denmark, but from 1979 to the present day it is a separate state with its own government and parliament. Due to unfavorable living conditions, the population of Greenland is only 57,000 people. Most of the island is covered with ice, which in some places reaches a thickness of 4 kilometers. And although fish resources are already quite depleted here, the melting of glaciers came to the rescue of the locals, revealing easily accessible mineral resources and providing them with a new source of livelihood.
4. The deepest river
The richest river in the world is the Congo, located in west-central Africa and flowing into the Atlantic Ocean. Its depth in some places reaches 220 meters. It is the second longest river in the world, following the Amazon. It was previously known as Zaire. The total length of the river is 4,700 kilometers, making it the 9th longest river in the world.
3. The youngest island
Niijima Island is a small volcanic island located in the Philippine Sea. It appeared as a result of a volcanic eruption in late November 2013, 163 miles south of Tokyo. This proves once again that the surface of the Earth is constantly changing, but, despite the fact that everyone expected that Niijima would soon disappear, he, contrary to public opinion, remained in his place.
2. The longest cave network
The Mamontov Cave System - Flint Ridge is located in the US state of Kentucky. It is the longest network of caves in the world, with an area of \u200b\u200bapproximately 52,830 hectares, twice the size of the second largest network of underwater
