Mountains are great and mighty, they surround people all over the world. Some of them reach unprecedented heights, and some remain small ledges on the ground. The largest mountains have always attracted people, but conquering them is not so easy. There are 14 mountains in the world that exceed 8000 m in height. About 150 years ago, such a height was considered fatal for humans. Now everyone knows that people were able to conquer even the highest and most impregnable peaks, but there were many victims along the way. In this article, we will indicate where the largest mountains are, as well as some Interesting Facts about them.
Everest is the highest and largest mountain in the world. It is located in the Himalayas on the Mahalangur-Himal ridge. The northern peak of Everest is the highest point on the planet, it is located in China. Its height reaches 8848 m above sea level. The southern peak is slightly inferior and reaches a height of 8760 m above sea level, located on the border of the Republic of Nepal and Tibet.
Mount Everest has several names. In Tibetan, her name is "Chomolungma", which means "Goddess Mother of the World", and in the ancient Indian language, the mountain is called "Sagarmatha" - the ocean of the mother. The mountain was officially named Everest in honor of Sir George Everest, head of the Indian Geodetic Survey.
Everest has the shape of a trihedral pyramid, its southern slope is quite steep, and snow does not linger on it. The glaciers covering the mountain begin at an altitude of 5000 km. The Arun River flows near Everest, its length is more than 6 km.
In 1852, the topographer and mathematician Radhanat Sikdar, having made trigonometric calculations, came to the conclusion that Everest is the most big mountain in the world
Everest attracts many climbers with its impregnability, but not everyone dares to conquer it. To climb the mountain, you need to have not only a great desire, but also excellent health and endurance, and at least $ 8,000. Climbing the mountain is dangerous, and about 260 people have died trying to do it. The reason for everything is the harsh climate and difficult conditions. throughout the ascent, the air becomes increasingly rarefied and less oxygenated. The air temperature is not higher than -50-60°С, and the wind speed can reach 55 m/s. In such conditions, a person feels the temperature as -100-120°C. Solar radiation also poses a danger to climbers. We must not forget about the standard risks when climbing the peaks, this is an avalanche, steep slopes and cliffs from them, relief crevices hidden under the snow.
The first to conquer Everest were the famous Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary. In 1953, climbers developed a route through the South Col and were able to reach the highest point on the planet. Today, almost everyone can climb Everest (of course, if health permits and there is an opportunity to purchase expensive equipment). On the biggest mountain laid tourist routes, and climbing guides help make the dream of many lovers come true mountain peaks. Throughout the history of the ascent, several records have been recorded, for example, the smallest member of the expedition is a girl from India, Purna Malawath. At the time of the ascent, she was only 13 years and 11 months old, and the oldest member of the Everest expedition is Yuichiro Miura, who passed this difficult path at the age of 80.
Everest is considered the largest mountain above sea level, but if you take into account the part of the Mauna Kea volcano submerged in water, then it significantly exceeds the size of Everest. This mountain peak is located on the island of Hawaii and on this moment considered a dormant volcano. Scientists suggest that the last eruption took place at least 4,500 years ago. The Mauna Kea volcano rises 4200 meters above sea level, and its total height is 10203 meters. The volcano, having a large mass, gradually slides and smoothes under its own weight, this happens at a rate of 0.02 mm per year. Based on these dimensions, we can say that Mauna Kea is the largest mountain in the world.
More than half of Mauna Kea is under water Pacific Ocean
In addition to Mauna Kea, the Hawaiian Islands have a number of extinct volcanoes, but they are all much smaller. For local residents, they are sacred, and only leaders have the right to climb to the top of the famous Mauna Kea. Ordinary residents of these lands are strictly prohibited from visiting these places.
Hawaiians settled on the slopes of the volcano in ancient times, and the surrounding vast forests allowed them to survive. Here they found food, and starting from the 18th century, after the first arrival of Europeans to the islands, the locals had large and small cattle. The diet has improved markedly, but the breeding of these animals has negatively affected the ecological situation as a whole.
At an altitude of 3975 meters above sea level, you can visit Waiau Lake
Mauna Kea can surprise not only with its size, but also with a variety of ecological zones. Alpine forests grow at its very top, thickets of golden-leaved sophora and sandalwood are located a little lower. And complete the local flora with forests of Acacia koa and Metrosideros polymorpha. Unfortunately, the latter are practically destroyed by man due to the development of the sugar industry, but the authorities Hawaiian Islands decided to restore the former vegetation. To this end, plant and animal species introduced into the protected area are eradicated whenever possible.
The highest point in the Hawaiian Islands the best place for astronomical observations. Since 1964, by agreement with the local authorities, 13 telescopes have been installed at the very top.
Eleven countries conduct observations and study space objects
On the border of Kashmir, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China, Mount Chogori or K2 is located on the Baltoro Range. It is the second highest peak, but much more dangerous than Everest.
Climbing Chogori is possible only in the summer months, in winter it is fraught with death or serious injury. Of the numerous winter expeditions, not one was successful.
The height of Chogori is 8611 meters, its slopes are steep and dangerous. In the whole world, there are not even 300 climbers who have managed to conquer this peak. Mortality while climbing K2 is 25%. During numerous attempts to climb the dangerous mountain, 66 people died.
Avalanches and falling stones and seracs await those who decide to try their luck and climb this height along the way, cracks on the approaches and simultaneous gatherings of huge masses of snow are also dangerous. And all this in addition to rarefied air and low temperature.
Chogori has the unofficial name "Mountain of Death"
In 1902, there was the first attempt to conquer Chogori, but it, like all subsequent ones, was unsuccessful for 50 years. Only in 1954 A. Compagnoni from Valfurno and L. Lacedelli from Cortina d'Ampezzo were able to conquer the summit of K2. In 1996, a Russian team led by I. Dusharin chose the route to climb the Northern Chogori Ridge. Experienced climbers conquered the peak and put on it Russian flag. And in 2007, a team of 11 climbers led by V. Kozlov laid a route along the previously impregnable Western side of K2. However, they did not use oxygen equipment, which could greatly facilitate this difficult path.
Mount Olympus on the planet Mars
If we consider all the mountains known to mankind, not only on planet Earth, but also on other planets, then Mount Olympus, located on Mars, will rightfully take the leading place. Its dimensions are simply amazing, it reaches a height of 26,200 meters and a width of about 540,000 meters. The giant hill was once a volcano and that is why it has grown to such a size. And due to the fact that there are no tectonic plates on Mars, there is no movement of the planet's crust. It is for this reason that Mount Olympus is still towering, and it can be seen in its entirety only from a great distance - from the orbit of the planet or from the Earth. For scientists, Mount Olympus is a mystery, as its slopes are steep. There is an assumption that earlier it was surrounded by the ocean and the water washed the shores of the mountain.
Mount Olympus erupted on Mars over 2,000,000 years ago
Mountain ranges surround us, they are fraught with many dangers and at the same time beckon. Everyone who has ever dared to climb a mountain hill is rewarded with breathtaking views, nature thus rewards the daredevils. And each time, rising higher and higher, a person wants to conquer the next mountain peak and see with his own eyes the largest mountains. But to do this is not so easy. After all, there are 14 mountain peaks in the world that exceed a height of 8000 m, and there are only 30 people who have visited each of them.
Answering the question of what is the highest point in the world, almost every high school student will answer with confidence that it is. Other common names for the peak are Chomolungma and Sagarmatha. The summit lies at an altitude of 8848 meters above sea level. This figure has been recorded in numerous scientific papers and textbooks.
Location
The highest point of the world on the map is located on the border of states such as Nepal and China. The peak belongs to the Great Himalayas mountain range. Along with this, it should be noted that, based on the data that is provided all the time by instruments at the peak, as well as with the help of satellites, the researchers proved that Everest, in the literal sense of the word, does not stand still. The fact is that the mountain changes all the time moving to the northeast from India towards China. According to scientists, the reason for this lies in the fact that they are constantly moving and crawling one on top of the other.
Opening
The highest point in the world was discovered in 1832. Then the expedition, consisting of employees of the British Geodetic Survey, was exploring 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 marked everywhere as "Peak 15") is higher than other mountains that make up the ridge. This observation was documented, after which the peak began to be called Everest - in honor of the head of the geodetic service.
Significance for locals
That the world is Everest, locals assumed several centuries before its official discovery by European researchers. they respected the peak very much and called it Chomolungma, which in literal translation from the local language means "the goddess - the mother of the Earth." As for Nepal, here it is known as Sagarmatha (heavenly peak). Residents of the nearby mountain regions say that at this peak, death and life are separated by half a step, and people from all parts of the world are equal before God, regardless of their religion. During the Middle Ages, a monastery called Ronkbuk was built at the foot of Everest. The structure has survived to our time and is still inhabited.
Other opinions about height
In 1954, a number of studies and measurements of the summit were made using various instruments and aerial photography. According to their results, it was officially established that the highest point in the world has a height of 8848 meters. It should be noted that, compared to our time, the technique used then was not so accurate. This gave some scientists reason to argue that the real height of the Chomolungma is different from the official value.
In particular, at the end of 1999 in Washington, as part of a meeting of the National Geographic Society, a proposal was put forward to consider that Everest lies above sea level at an altitude of 8850 meters, in other words, two meters higher. Members of the organization supported this idea. This event was preceded by research by several expeditions led by a famous American scientist named Branford Weshbourne. First, he brought high-precision electronic equipment with his people to the summit. In the future, this allowed the researcher to record the slightest deviations in the height of the mountain (compared to previous data) using a satellite. Thus, the scientist was able to quite clearly show the growth dynamics of Chomolungma. Moreover, Washbourne identified the periods of the most significant increase in the height of the peak.
Everest growth process
The Himalayas are considered one of the most recent geological belts that formed on our planet. In this regard, the process of their development is quite active (compared to others). No wonder the world's highest point continues to grow. Studies show that growth becomes most intense during high seismic activity not only on the Eurasian continent 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, a geologist from Italy, A. Desio, using modern radio equipment, found that now the peak of Chomolungma is at around 8872.5 meters above sea level, which is 25 meters higher than the officially recorded value.
The biggest mountain on earth
There is no doubt that the highest point in the world is Everest. At the same time, calling it the largest mountain on the planet would not be entirely correct. The fact is that, judging by such an indicator as the total height, the largest mountain should be called Mauna Kea, located not far from Hawaii. The peak rises above sea level by only 4206 meters. At the same time, its foundation lies at a depth of more than ten thousand meters under water. Thus, the total value of Mauna Kea is almost twice that of Everest.
Other highest points on the planet
Be that as it may, each of the continents has the most prominent peak. The names of the highest mountains in the world by continent are as follows. The highest in the territory South America and the second after Everest on the planet is the peak of Aconcagua (6959 meters), which is part of the Andes and is located in Argentina. Mount McKinley (6194 meters) is located in the US state of Alaska and closes the top three world leaders in this indicator. In Europe, Elbrus (5642 meters) is considered the highest, and in Africa - Kilimanjaro (5895 meters). There is a record holder in Antarctica. The highest mountain here is Vinson (4892 meters).
The relief of our planet is bizarre, deep depressions replace high mountains. There are 14 peaks on Earth that have “surpassed” the 8,000 m mark. But the highest of the “eight-thousanders”, which at first glance, are inaccessible, are especially attractive for climbers.
Conquering the highest peak on the planet is the dream of all climbers. What are the highest mountains in the world?
Fifth place - Makalu (8485 meters, Himalayas)
Opens the rating of the five highest mountains of Makalu Land. Located almost in the center of the Himalayas, on the border of China and Nepal, the peak is part of mountain range Mahalangur Hemal. Extremely steep slopes and year-round glaciation make the mountain incredibly difficult to climb, with less than a third of all expeditions succeeding. The first successful attempt to conquer the summit was recorded in 1955. 26 climbers died during the ascents.
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The mountain range consists of two peaks, its shape resembles a four-sided pyramid. The local population treats Makalu with respect and some fear, respectfully calling her the "Black Giant". Makalu peak height 8485 meters.
Fourth place - Lhotse (8516 meters, Himalayas)
The nearest "neighbor" of Everest is only 3 km, Lhotse is located on the border of China and Nepal and is part of the Nepalese national park Sagarmatha. Known for a long time, the mountain was conquered only in 1956. Of all the "eight-thousanders", the summit has the least number of routes, and successful ascents make up only 25%.
The mountain has unusual shape trihedral pyramid, it has three peaks, and each is higher than 8000 meters. Translated from the Tibetan name Lhotse sounds like "southern peak". The height of this mountain is 8516 meters.
Third place - Kanchenjunga (Himalayas)
Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain peak in the world, its height is 8586 meters. Until the middle of the century before last, until Chogori and Everest were discovered, it was considered the highest in the world. The first successful ascent of the mountain happened in 1954. During the conquest of the summit, 40 climbers died. Moreover, contrary to the trend characteristic of other "eight-thousanders", the death rate does not decrease over time, but rather increases. According to Nepalese legend, Kanchenjunga is a mountain woman who, out of jealousy, kills women seeking to conquer the peak.
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Roerich's painting "Kanchenjunga" Located on the border of India and Nepal, the peak is extremely picturesque; in translation, its name sounds like “5 Treasures of the Great Snows”. The extraordinary beauty of Kanchenjunga captivated the Russian philosopher and educator Nicholas Roerich. On canvases, he captured the unique natural charm of the mountain peak.
Second place Chogori (Himalayas)
Chogori - the northernmost of the "eight-thousanders" peak is part of the Karakoram mountain range, located in two countries - China and Pakistan. Its height is 8611 meters. Discovered in 1856, the mountain received the "technical" name K2 - the second peak of the Karakorum. Chogori began to call her after a while. Climbing to the top has been undertaken since the beginning of the last century, but it was only possible to conquer it in 1954. 60 climbers conquering the summit cost their lives.
Apart from official name the peak has other, quite common ones - Dapsung, Godwin-Austen and Karakoram 2. The mountain peak is distinguished by severe weather conditions, climbing it is fraught with great difficulties. So far, no one has managed to conquer Chogori in winter.
Eight-thousanders - a group of 14 mountains, the peaks of which are located at an altitude of more than 8000 meters above sea level, in the "death zone". These mountains are independent of each other and are located in the Karakorum and Himalaya mountain systems. The "death zone" in the mountains is an altitude of more than 8000 meters, at which there is not enough oxygen for breathing. Low oxygen concentration can cause altitude sickness in a person, in which swelling of the brain or lungs occurs, and even death is possible. Most climbers prefer to avoid this condition and take an oxygen tank with them, but only a few brave climbers have managed to reach the summits above the "death zone" without the help of supplemental oxygen.
The meaning of the eight-thousander mountains
List of eight-thousanders
The 14 highest mountains in the world included in this list are mountains over 8,000 meters above sea level. Although there are many mountainous regions in the world, it is unlikely that there are other peaks that were not included in this list. For example, Mauna Kea with a height of 4207 meters above sea level, which is located on the island of Hawaii and is a dormant volcano, can be considered the most high volcano and the world's highest mountain (if you take into account its height from the foot on the ocean floor to the peak, then the height will be 10,203 m), but it is not included in this list.
| № | Peak names |
Height above sea level (meters) |
Location |
| 1 | Everest | 8848 m | Nepal, China |
| 2 | Chogori | 8611 m | Pakistan, China |
| 3 | Kanchenjunga | 8586 m | Nepal, India |
| 4 | Lhotse | 8516 m | Nepal, China |
| 5 | Makalu | 8485 m | Nepal, China |
| 6 | Cho Oyu | 8188 m | Nepal, China |
| 7 | Dhaulagiri I | 8167 m | Nepal |
| 8 | Manaslu | 8163 m | Nepal |
| 9 | Nangaparbat | 8126 m | Pakistan |
| 10 | Annapurna I | 8091 m | Nepal |
| 11 | Gasherbrum I | 8080 m | Pakistan, China |
| 12 | Broad Peak | 8051 m | Pakistan, China |
| 13 | Gasherbrum II | 8035 m | Pakistan, China |
| 14 | Shishabangma | 8027 m | China |
Below are the 10 highest mountains of our planet, with photos, descriptions, climbing features, as well as characteristics of flora and fauna.
Annapurna I (8,091 m), Nepal
Annapurna I Peak is located in the Annapurna mountain range, in the central part of Nepal and the southern spur of the Himalayas, at an altitude of 8,091 meters above sea level.
Annapurna is only the tenth highest mountain peak in the world, but it is considered one of the most dangerous. On June 3, 1950, French climbers Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal reached the summit of Annapurna, making it the first eight-thousander to be successfully climbed by people on the first attempt. Annapurna I has the highest mortality with about 32% of deaths.
The entire mountain range and the surrounding area belongs to the 7,629 km² Annapurna National Park, which is considered the first and largest protected area in Nepal. It is the most geographically and culturally diverse protected area in the world. There is a steep terrace, lush forest, barren plateaus, mountainous deserts. On the territory of this reserve, 1226 species of plants, 38 species of orchids, 9 species of rhododendrons, 101 species, 478 species of birds, 39 species and 22 species have been found. The Annapurna region is the most popular trekking area in Nepal.
Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), Pakistan
Nanga Parbat is the ninth highest mountain in the world and rises to 8,126 meters above sea level. This is one of the most famous peaks in the world. It is located in the western part of the Himalayan range, in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, in northern Pakistan. The first successful ascent was made in 1953 by Hermann Buhl.
This mountain is considered the second most difficult eight-thousander after K2 (the second highest peak in the world), and is also one of the most dangerous. Only after 31 people died trying to conquer the summit, there was a successful ascent in 1953, this peak was nicknamed "Mountain Killer". Nanga Parbat is the third most dangerous 8,000 peak with a fatality rate of 22.3%. By 2012, at least 68 climbers had died on this mountain.
Much of the area around the mountain is now a protected national park, so wildlife there is a chance to flourish. In the valleys below the mountain there are wide meadows covered with lush grasses and wildflowers. Around them are alpine forests, giving the area a distinctly Swiss feel. Coniferous forests predominate in the higher elevations, although birch and willow dwarf shrubs thrive in shaded areas.
This area is a temporary area for many migratory birds. Approximately 230 species of birds are found annually in the mountainous area, although the exact number is difficult to calculate due to migrations. At lower altitudes, endangered mammals such as the snow leopard, Himalayan bear, musk deer, Himalayan lynx, Marco Polo mountain sheep, etc. live. They cover a variety of habitats, but the human presence is a concern.
Manaslu I (8,163 m), Nepal
Manaslu is the eighth largest mountain on the planet and reaches a height of 8,163 m above sea level. It is considered part of the Mansiri-Himal mountain range in the Himalayas. Manaslu was first conquered by the Japanese Toshio Imanishi and Sherpa Gyalzen Norbu on May 9, 1956.
Mount Manaslu is part of the Manaslu Protected Area, declared as such in December 1998. The area covered by the protected area is 1,663 km².
Unlike many other regions, the valley of the mountain is a sanctuary for many endangered animals, including snow leopards and red pandas. Lynx, Himalayan bear, gray wolf, Assam macaques, etc. can also be found here. More than 110 species of birds, 33 species of mammals, 11 species of butterflies and 3 species of reptiles have been recorded in the area. Wildlife conservation in the area was achieved by the monks who banned hunting.
Lhotse (8516 m), Nepal
The fourth highest mountain in the world is Lhotse. She is part of mountain range Mahalangur-Himal and reaches a height of 8,516 meters above sea level. The first successful ascent was made by the Swiss Reiss and Luchsinger in 1956.
The mountain range is located in the Himalayas, on the border of Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Mount Lhotse is located south of Everest and is joined by a ridge at an altitude of about 7,600 meters. Sometimes it is considered part of the Everest mountain range.
Since Lhotse, like Mount Cho Oyu (see above), are located in the same national park, they have similar flora and fauna.
Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), Nepal
Kangchenjunga is an impressive snow-capped mountain with a height of 8586 m, which is part of the highest Himalayan mountain system and is located along the border between India and Nepal.
Until 1852, this mountain was considered the highest on Earth. However, later it was determined that Mount Everest and K2 were actually higher, and Kangchenjunga became the third highest eight-thousander in the world. In May 1955, two British climbers, Joe Brown and George Band, were the first to successfully climb the mountain.
Mount Kanchenjunga and its surrounding landscapes with their various reliefs, and climatic conditions serve great places habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species. The savannas and grasslands of the Terai Duar form the backbone of the mountainous landscape and are rich in native flora and fauna. Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, one-horned rhinos and Asian elephants are just some of the known mammal species of this ecoregion.
With increasing altitude, changes in temperature and rainfall, the pattern of vegetation also changes. It is an ecosystem of evergreen and deciduous trees and a rich variety of fauna such as red pandas, Assamese macaques, Far Eastern leopards, Himalayan bears, Himalayan taras, musk deer, etc. Above the forest belt are the Eastern Himalayan subalpine coniferous forests with their own flora and fauna. Gradually, the coniferous belt is replaced by alpine meadows and shrubs and, finally, mountain deserts covered with moss and lichens. They lead straight to the icy and snowy peak of Mount Kanchenjunga.
Chogori, or K2 (8611 m), Pakistan
Mount K2, also known as Chogori, is considered the second highest peak in the world at 8,611 km. K2 is part of the Karakoram mountain range located on the China-Pakistan border. The mountain is partly located in the Tashkurgan-Tajik Autonomous County of China and partly in Baltistan, a region in northern Pakistan.
The first successful ascent of K2 was on 31 July 1954 by two Italian climbers Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni. Since then, many attempts have been made to climb K2 with many failures and a few successes. According to statistics, out of every four people who climb the mountain, one dies. Severe weather and rugged mountain topography are responsible for a large number of climb-related deaths. K2 is currently one of the most difficult peaks in the world to climb. Nevertheless, the stunning beauty of the mountain and the desire to conquer it attract a large number of daredevils to it every year. K2 also forms a natural and almost impassable border between two countries - China and Pakistan.
The lower valleys of the Karakoram range receive little rainfall and thus support vegetation adapted to the arid climate of the region. Residents of nearby settlements, use water from glaciers to irrigate fields. Animal husbandry is also an important subsistence industry for these people.
The natural vegetation of the lowland region consists of shrubs and woodlands. At altitudes up to 3000 m, deciduous trees and shrubs such as willow, poplar and oleander grow, followed by coniferous vegetation. The snowy summit of K2 has permanent ice and the snow cover prevents the growth of flora. The fauna of the mountainous ecosystems of the Karakoram range includes herbivores as well as endangered predators such as snow leopards, lynxes and brown bears. Bird fauna of the region includes golden eagles and snow vultures.
Everest (8,848 m), Nepal/China
Mount Everest is considered the most high mountain all over the world, its peak is at an altitude of 8,848 meters. It is part of the Mahalangur-Himal mountain range, which is shared by Nepal and Tibet ( autonomous region China).
Previously, there were various arguments as to whether the height of a mountain should be determined by its mountain peak or its snow cap. Measurements made by India in 1955 were the first to record a height of 8,848 meters, and Chinese measurements confirmed this height 20 years later. The mountain was named after India's chief surveyor, Sir George Everest, although he himself opposed the name.
Everest attracts many climbers. The first successful ascent was made by New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953. Another team of Chinese climbers first reached the summit on a route from Tibet in May 1960. A March 2012 report showed that by then 5,656 climbers had climbed the mountain and 223 deaths had occurred.
There is very little flora and fauna on Everest. At an altitude of 6480 meters you can see moss. A small jumping spider, found at an altitude of 6700 meters, is considered the only non-microscopic animal that lives at such a significant height. Some birds have also been reported to fly at high altitudes. Yaks are used by climbers to carry loads up the mountain. Other animals found on Mount Everest include snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, red panda, Himalayan bear, pika and ants.
All the Highest Mountains in the WorldThe process of formation of mountains on Earth takes millions of years. They arise from the collision of huge tectonic plates that make up the earth's crust.
Today we will get acquainted with the highest mountains on 6 continents and see how they look against the backdrop of the highest mountain peaks in the world - the "eight-thousanders", whose height above sea level exceeds 8,000 meters.
How many continents are on Earth? It is sometimes believed that Europe and Asia are 2 different continents, although they are one mainland:
Before we start talking about the highest mountains on 6 continents, let's take a look at the general diagram of the highest peaks on Earth.
"Eight-thousanders" is the common name for the 14 highest mountain peaks in the world, whose height above sea level exceeds 8,000 meters. They are all in Asia. The conquest of all 14 "eight-thousanders" of the planet - the conquest of the "Crown of the Earth" - is a great achievement in high-altitude mountaineering. As of July 2012, only 30 climbers have managed to do this.
North America - Mount McKinley, 6,194 m
This highest double-headed mountain North America, named after the 25th President of the United States. Located in Alaska.
Indigenous peoples called this peak "Denali", which means "great", and during the period of Russian colonization of Alaska, it was simply called Big Mountain.
Mount McKinley as seen from Denali National Park:
The first ascent of the main summit of McKinley took place on June 7, 1913. There are 5 large glaciers on the slopes of the mountain.
South America - Mount Aconcagua, 6,962 m
This highest point The American continent, South America, as well as the western and southern hemispheres. belong to the longest mountain range peace - Andam.
The mountain is located in Argentina and in the Quechua language means "Stone Guardian". Aconcagua is the largest dormant volcano on our planet.
In mountaineering, Aconcagua is considered technically an easy mountain if you climb the northern slope.
The first recorded ascent of the mountain was in 1897.
Europe - Mount Elbrus, 5,642 m
This stratovolcano in the Caucasus is the highest peak in Russia. Given that the border between Europe and Asia is ambiguous, often Elbrus is also called the highest European mountain peak.
Elbrus is a two-headed volcano with a saddle. The western peak has a height of 5,642 m, the Eastern one - 5,621 m. The last eruption dates back to 50 AD ...
In those days, the eruptions of Elbrus probably resembled the eruptions of modern Vesuvius, but were more powerful. From the craters of the volcano at the beginning of the eruption, powerful clouds of vapors and gases, saturated with black ash, rose many kilometers up, covering the entire sky, turning day into night. The earth shook from powerful tremors.
Today, both peaks of Elbrus are covered with eternal snow and ice. On the slopes of Elbrus, they diverge into different sides 23 glaciers. average speed The movement of glaciers is about 0.5 meters per day.
The first successful ascent to one of the peaks of Elbrus was made in 1829. The average annual number of deaths while climbing Elbrus is 15-30 people.
Asia - Mount Everest, 8,848 m
Everest (Chomolungma) is the top of our world! The first eight-thousander in height and the highest mountain on Earth.
The mountain is located in the Himalayas in the Mahalangur-Himal range, with the Southern peak (8760 m) lying on the border of Nepal, and the Northern (main) peak (8848 m) located in China.
Everest has the shape of a trihedral pyramid. At the top of the Chomolungma, there are strong winds blowing at speeds of up to 200 km / h, and the air temperature at night drops to -60 Celsius.
The first ascent to the summit of Everest took place in 1953. Since the first ascent to the summit until 2011, more than 200 people have died on the slopes of Everest. Now the climb to the top takes about 2 months - with acclimatization and setting up camps.
View from space:
Climbing Everest is not only extremely dangerous, but also expensive: the cost of climbing in specialized groups is up to 65 thousand US dollars, and the climbing permit issued by the government of Nepal alone costs 10 thousand dollars
Australia and Oceania - Mount Punchak Jaya, 4884 m
The most high peak Australia and Oceania, which is located on the island New Guinea. It is located on the Australian Plate and is the highest mountain in the world located on an island.
The mountain was discovered in 1623 by the Dutch explorer Jan Carstens, who saw from afar into the glacier at the top. Therefore, sometimes the mountain is called the Pyramid of Carstens.
The first ascent of Puncak Jaya took place only in 1962. The name of the mountain from the Indonesian language is translated approximately as "Victory Peak".
Antarctica - Windson Massif, 4,892 m
These are the highest mountains in Antarctica. The existence of the mountain range became known only in 1957. Since the mountains were discovered by American aircraft, they were subsequently named the Vinson Massif, after the famous American politician Carl Vinson.
View of the Vinson Massif from space:
Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro, 5,895 m
This is the highest point in Africa, a huge dormant volcano with two well-defined peaks in the northeast of Tanzania. The mountain has had no documented eruptions, but local legends speak of volcanic activity 150-200 years ago.
The higher one is the peak of Kibo, an almost regular cone with powerful glaciation.
The name comes from the Swahili language and supposedly means "mountain that sparkles".
The snow cap that has covered the mountaintop for 11,000 years since the last Ice Age is melting fast. Over the past 100 years, the volume of snow and ice has decreased by more than 80%. It is believed that this is not caused by a change in temperature, but by a reduction in the amount of snowfall.
The highest peak in Africa was first conquered by the German traveler Hans Meyer in 1889.
All cat sleeping positions
