Mountains are one of the most magnificent natural wonders of the world, and their height has always been a point of fascination for humans. Among all the mountains, Mount Everest and Mount McKinley are two of the most well-known and highly regarded peaks. In this article, we will explore the difference in height between these two giants of the mountain world.
The Tallest Mountains in the World
Mountains are classified based on their height. The tallest mountains of the world are located in the Himalayan Range in Asia. Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world, measuring 29,029 feet (8,848 meters) above sea level. Mount McKinley, on the other hand, is one of the tallest peaks in North America, measuring 20,320 feet (6,190 meters) above sea level.
Mount Everest: The Highest Peak
Mount Everest is located in the Himalayan Range, on the border between Nepal and Tibet. It was first climbed by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. Since then, it has become a popular destination for mountaineers from all over the world. The peak of Mount Everest is covered with snow and ice throughout the year and requires a high level of mountaineering skills to climb.
Mount McKinley: The Tallest in North America
Mount McKinley, also known as Denali, is located in Alaska, USA. It is the tallest peak in North America and attracts a large number of climbers every year. The mountain is located in the Denali National Park and Preserve and is known for its rugged beauty and challenging climbing routes.
Measuring Height: The Base-to-Summit Method
The height of mountains is measured using the base-to-summit method. This method involves measuring the height of the mountain from its base to its summit, which is the highest point of the mountain. The height is usually measured in feet or meters above sea level, which is the average height of the surface of the ocean.
Height of Mount Everest
Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world, measuring 29,029 feet (8,848 meters) above sea level. This height was measured by the Survey of India in 1955 and has been accepted as the official height of the mountain ever since.
Height of Mount McKinley
Mount McKinley, on the other hand, measures 20,320 feet (6,190 meters) above sea level. This height was measured by the United States Geological Survey in 1953 and has been accepted as the official height of the mountain.
The Difference in Height Between the Two Mountains
The difference in height between Mount Everest and Mount McKinley is significant. Mount Everest is over 8,000 feet taller than Mount McKinley, making it the tallest mountain in the world. The difference in height is due to the fact that Mount Everest is located in the Himalayan Range, which is a much higher range of mountains than the Alaska Range where Mount McKinley is located.
How the Height of Mountains is Measured
Measuring the height of a mountain is not a simple task. It requires a lot of equipment, expertise, and experience. The base-to-summit method is the most common way of measuring the height of a mountain, but there are other methods as well, such as satellite measurements and laser measurements.
Why the Heights of Mountains May Change
The heights of mountains may change over time due to various geological factors such as erosion, tectonic movements, and volcanic activity. In addition, the height of a mountain may also change due to changes in the way it is measured, as new technology and equipment become available.
Conclusion
Mountains are one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders of the world, and Mount Everest and Mount McKinley are two of the most highly regarded peaks. While Mount McKinley is the tallest peak in North America, Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world, measuring over 8,000 feet higher than Mount McKinley. Measuring the height of mountains is not a simple task, and the heights of mountains may change over time due to various geological factors.
References
- "Mount Everest." National Geographic, National Geographic Society, 3 Apr. 2019, www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2019/04/mount-everest-facts/
- "Mount McKinley." National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, www.nps.gov/dena/learn/nature/mount-mckinley.htm
- "How to Measure a Mountain." The New York Times, The New York Times Company, 20 July 2015, www.nytimes.com/2015/07/21/science/how-to-measure-a-mountain.html
