The Mystery of Mount Everest’s Height
Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world, standing at a staggering 29,029 feet. However, the exact height of this majestic mountain has been a matter of controversy and speculation for many years. With conflicting measurements and new surveys being conducted, the question remains: is the height of Mount Everest increasing or decreasing?
What is Mount Everest?
Mount Everest, also known as Sagarmatha in Nepal and Chomolungma in Tibet, is situated in the Himalayas between Nepal and Tibet. It was first measured in 1856 by the Great Trigonometric Survey of India, which gave it a height of 29,002 feet. Since then, numerous surveys have been conducted to measure its height accurately, but the exact measurement has remained a topic of debate.
Measuring the Height of Mount Everest
The height of Mount Everest is measured from sea level to its summit. The traditional method used for measuring its height is trigonometry, in which the angles of a triangle are measured to calculate the height of the mountain. However, due to the rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions, measuring the height of Mount Everest accurately has always been a challenging task.
Decades of Conflicting Measurements
Over the years, there have been several surveys conducted to measure the height of Mount Everest, with each one giving a different measurement. In 1955, an Indian survey gave the height of the mountain as 29,028 feet, which was accepted as the official height until the 1970s. In 1975, a Chinese survey gave a height of 29,029.2 feet, which was considered more accurate.
The 1999 Indian Survey and Its Controversy
In 1999, the Indian government conducted another survey to measure the height of Mount Everest, which gave a height of 29,035 feet, making it higher than the previous measurements. However, this measurement was met with controversy as it included the height of snow and ice on the peak, which could change over time.
Recent Chinese Surveys and Their Findings
In recent years, the Chinese government has conducted several surveys to measure the height of Mount Everest using modern technologies like GPS and laser beams. In 2020, a survey by the Chinese government gave a height of 29,032 feet, which was within a few centimeters of the previous measurement.
Is Climate Change Affecting Mount Everest’s Height?
There is growing evidence that climate change is affecting the height of Mount Everest. The warming of the planet is causing the melting of glaciers and ice on the mountain, which could affect its height. Some experts also believe that the shifting of tectonic plates could cause the mountain to rise or fall.
The Role of Glacier Melting in Height Change
Glacier melting is one of the primary factors that could affect the height of Mount Everest. The melting of glaciers could cause the mountain to sink or become unstable, affecting its height. Additionally, the melting of glaciers on the mountain could cause an increase in the flow of water, leading to flooding and landslides in the surrounding areas.
Tectonic Plate Movement and Mount Everest’s Height
The movement of tectonic plates is another factor that could affect the height of Mount Everest. The Himalayas, including Mount Everest, were formed by the collision of the Indian and Asian tectonic plates. Over time, the movement of these plates could cause the mountain to rise or fall, affecting its height.
The Future of Mount Everest’s Height
Despite the new surveys and technologies being used to measure Mount Everest’s height, the exact measurement remains elusive. With the effects of climate change and tectonic plate movement, the future of Mount Everest’s height is uncertain. However, with new advancements in technology and scientific research, we may soon have a more accurate measurement of the world’s highest peak.
Conclusion: The Elusive Answer to a Mountaineering Question
The height of Mount Everest has been a matter of controversy and speculation for many years. With conflicting measurements and new surveys being conducted, the exact measurement remains elusive. The effects of climate change and tectonic plate movement on the mountain’s height add to the mystery. However, with continued scientific research, we may soon have a more accurate measurement of this majestic mountain.
References and Further Reading
- "Mount Everest." National Geographic. Accessed August 28, 2021. .
- "The Height of Mount Everest." USGS. Accessed August 28, 2021. https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-height-mount-everest?qt-news_science_products=0#qt-news_science_products.
- "Chinese surveyors climb Mount Everest, state media say, amid border dispute." Reuters. May 27, 2020. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-india-everest/chinese-surveyors-climb-mount-everest-state-media-say-amid-border-dispute-idUSKBN2330LD.