With its 8,848.86 meters of altitude, Mount Everest, giant of the Himalayas, fascinates mountaineers and the general public. However, behind this emblematic figure lies a more complex reality. Indeed, depending on how you measure a mountain, Everest could well lose its crown to other lesser-known peaks.
Everest in constant motion
The official measurement of Everest has been the subject of much debate and adjustment over the years. In 2020, China and Nepal finally agreed on a height of 8,848.86 meters, about 86 centimeters higher than the previous measurement. This new data takes into account the layer of snow and ice at the summit, unlike some previous measurements which only took into account bare rock.
But the height of the mountains is not frozen in time. Geological processes continue to shape Everest (and others) which is growing about 4 millimeters per year due to the continued collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Major seismic events, such as the 2015 Nepal earthquake, can also change mountain heights.
But how do you precisely measure the height of a mountain?
Methods have evolved considerably since the first attempts in the 19th century. At the time, geographers used trigonometry, measuring the angles between different points on the ground and the summit. This technique, although ingenious, was subject to errors due to atmospheric refraction and the difficulty of establishing precise reference points.
Today, modern technologies like GPS and LiDAR (laser remote sensing) allow much more precise measurements. Orbiting satellites and ground stations provide extremely detailed data on Earth’s topography. However, even these advanced methods must take into account complex factors such as variations in local gravity and the exact shape of the Earth.
The highest Everest, really?
The very definition of the “highest mountain” can vary depending on the criteria chosen. If we only consider altitude above sea level, Everest effectively remains the undisputed champion. But other mountains can claim the title based on other parameters.
The Mauna Kea in Hawaii is a dormant volcano that rises only 4,207 meters above sea level, less than half of Everest. However, when measured from its underwater base to its summit, Mauna Kea reaches an impressive height of 10,203 meters, surpassing Everest by almost 1,350 meters. This measurement, called “dry prominence,” gives a different perspective on the actual size of the mountains.
Another unexpected competitor is the Chimborazo in Ecuador. Although its altitude is “only” 6,263 meters, this volcano can be considered the farthest point from the center of the Earth at 6,384.416 km. This is explained by the shape of our planet, which is not perfectly spherical but slightly flattened at the poles and bulged at the equator. Chimborazo, located near the equator, benefits from this bulge and is thus further from the center of the Earth than the summit of Everest.
Let us also examine the case of Denali (formerly Mount McKinley) in Alaska. Although its altitude is 6,190 meters, its relative height from its base is impressive. Everest, despite its higher altitude, rests on the high Tibetan plateau, reducing its visible height. Denali, on the other hand, rises steeply from low-lying plains, offering a dramatic elevation change of more than 5,500 meters.
Finally, if we leave the terrestrial framework, the Mount Olympus on Mars crushes all records with its 21,287 meters in height. This gigantic volcano is the largest known in our solar system!
As you will have understood, measuring a mountain is not an exact science, but rather a convention which depends on the criteria chosen. Whether it’s pure elevation, height from the base, or distance from the center of the Earth, every mountain has its own story to tell. Altitude above sea level remains the most widely accepted standard, but it only tells part of the story. Everest therefore retains its status as the highest mountain in the world according to the conventional definition…
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