Answering the question about which is the highestthe point of the world, almost every senior high school student will say with certainty that this is Mount Everest. Other common names for the peak are Jomolungma and Sagarmatha. The peak lies at an altitude of 8848 meters above sea level. This indicator is fixed in numerous scientific works and textbooks.
Location
The highest point of the world on the map is on the bordersuch states as Nepal and China. The peak belongs to the mountain range of the Great Himalayas. At the same time, it should be noted that, based on data that is always provided by the instruments at the peak, and also with the help of satellites, the researchers have proved that Everest, in the literal sense of the word, does not stand still. The fact is that the mountain always changes its geographical coordinates, moving to the northeast from the direction of India towards China. According to scientists, the reason for this lies in the fact that the tectonic plates constantly move and creep one on another.
Opening
The highest point of the world was discovered in 1832.Then the expedition, as part of the British Geodetic Survey, was investigating some of the peaks that were on Indian territory in the Himalayas. During the work, British scientists noted that one of the peaks (which had previously been referred to as "Peak 15") is higher than other mountains that make up the ridge. This observation was documented, after which the peak was called Everest - in honor of the head of the geodetic service.
Importance for local residents
The fact that the highest mountain of the world is Everest,local residents expected a few more centuries before its official opening by European researchers. The Tibetan monks respected the summit and called it Jomolungma, which in literal translation from the local language means "the goddess is the mother of the Earth." As for Nepal, here it is known as Sagarmatha (heavenly summit). Inhabitants of nearby mountains say that at this peak death and life are separated by half a step, and people from all directions are equal before God, regardless of their religion. During the Middle Ages, at the foot of Mount Everest, a monastery was built, called Ronkbuk. The structure has survived to our time and is still inhabited.
Other opinions about the height
In 1954, a number of studies were carried outand measurements of the vertex using different instruments and aerial photography. According to their results, it is officially established that the highest point of the world has a height of 8,848 meters. It should be noted that, compared with our time, the technique used at that time was not so accurate. This gave some scholars the opportunity to argue that the real figure of the height of the Chomolungma is different from the official value.
In particular, at the end of 1999 in Washington, inwithin the framework of the meeting of the National Geographic Society, it was suggested that Everest lay above sea level at an altitude of 8,850 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 Brenford Washbourne. First he delivered high-precision electronic equipment to the top with his people. In the future, this allowed the researcher to record with the help of the satellite the slightest deviations in the height of the mountain (in comparison with the previous data). Thus, the scientist was able to clearly show the growth dynamics of the Chomolungma. Moreover, Washbourne determined the periods of the most significant increase in peak height.
The process of growth of Everest
The Himalayas are considered one of the most recentgeological belts that formed on our planet. In this regard, the process of their development is quite active (in comparison with others). Not surprisingly, the highest point in the world continues to grow. As studies show, the most intensive growth occurs during high seismic activity not only on the Eurasian mainland itself, but also on the entire planet. For example, only during the first half of 1999 the height of the mountain increased by three centimeters. A few years ago, the geologist from Italy A. Desio, using modern radio equipment, found that now the summit of Chomolungma is at the level of 8872.5 meters above sea level, which is 25 meters above the officially fixed value.
The biggest mountain on earth
The fact that the highest point of the world isEverest, no doubt. At the same time, calling it the biggest mountain on the planet will not be entirely correct. The fact is that judging by such an indicator as the total height, the largest one should be called Mount Mauna Kea, located not far from Hawaii. The peak rises above sea level by only 4206 meters. Together with this, its foundation lies at a depth of more than ten thousand meters under the water. Thus, the total value of Mauna Kea exceeds the equivalent of Everest almost twice.
Other Highest Points of the Planet
Be that as it may, each of the continents hasthe most outstanding peak. The names of the highest mountains of the world on the continents are as follows. The highest in South America and the second after Everest on the planet is the Aconcagua peak (6959 meters), which is part of the Andes and is located on the territory of Argentina. The McKinley peak (6194 meters) is located in the US state of Alaska and closes the top three world leaders in this indicator. In Europe, the highest is Elbrus (5642 meters), and in Africa - Kilimanjaro (5895 meters). There is also a record holder in Antarctica. The highest mountain here is Vinson (4892 meters).
