What is the Height of Mount Everest?
VerifiedAnswer: 8848 meters
Explanation:
Mount Everest, known as Sagarmatha in Nepali and Chomolungma in Tibetan, stands at an impressive height of 8848 meters (29,029 feet) above sea level. This measurement was officially confirmed in December 2020 through a joint survey conducted by Nepal and China, making it the most accurate and up-to-date measurement of the world's tallest mountain.
The height of Mount Everest has been a subject of measurement and debate for many decades. The first official height measurement was conducted by the Survey of India in 1955, which recorded the height as 8,848 meters. However, various countries and expeditions have measured slightly different heights over the years due to differences in measurement techniques, equipment, and reference points used for sea level calculations.
The 2020 joint survey between Nepal and China was particularly significant because it used modern technology including GPS systems, satellite measurements, and ground-penetrating radar to achieve unprecedented accuracy. The survey teams had to account for various factors including:
• Snow depth at the summit • Gravitational variations • Tectonic plate movements • Atmospheric conditions affecting measurements
Mount Everest continues to grow slowly each year due to the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This geological process, which formed the Himalayan mountain range millions of years ago, adds approximately 4 millimeters to the mountain's height annually. However, factors like erosion and earthquakes can also affect the mountain's height over time.
Located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas, Mount Everest sits on the border between Nepal and Tibet (China). The mountain attracts thousands of climbers and trekkers from around the world each year, making it not only a geographical landmark but also an important source of tourism revenue for the region.
Understanding Mount Everest's height is important for various fields including geography, geology, meteorology, and mountaineering. The 8848-meter measurement represents the distance from sea level to the highest point of rock on the summit, providing a standard reference point that scientists and researchers use for studies related to climate change, atmospheric pressure, and mountain formation processes.
