Measuring Earth and its Mountains

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the measurement of mountains, specifically focusing on the heights of Mount Everest, K2, and Mount Chimborazo. It explores historical methods of measurement, the impact of GPS technology, and the implications of different definitions and measurements of mountain heights.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Historical

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the elevation of Everest is 8,848.86 m and K2 is 8,610 m, measured with respect to mean sea level.
  • One participant mentions that Mount Chimborazo is farther from the Earth's center than Mount Everest due to its location near the Equator, where Earth's bulge is greatest.
  • Another participant argues that the tallest mountain could be Mt. Lamlam, although most of it is submerged under the Pacific Ocean.
  • There is a suggestion to compile a list of subjects where answers depend on definitions or measurement methods, with mountains being the first entry.
  • A personal anecdote is shared about an attempt to climb Chimborazo, highlighting the challenges faced during the expedition.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on what constitutes the "tallest" mountain and how measurements should be defined, indicating that multiple competing views remain without consensus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects varying definitions of mountain height and the implications of measurement methods, which are not fully resolved. Additionally, personal experiences shared may influence perspectives on climbing and mountain measurement.

Astronuc
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Earlier this year PBS NOVA broadcast a documentary on measuring mountains. It covered Everest (Nepali: सगरमाथा, romanized: Sagarmāthā; Tibetan: Chomolungma ཇོ་མོ་གླང་མ) and K2. The history behind measuring mountains and the elevations of Earth's surface is fascinating. The old way involved surveying over a long distance, but now we have GPS.In the Wikipedia, the elevation of Everest is 8,848.86 m (29,031.7 ft), and the elevation of K2 is 8,610 m (28,250 ft). I believe the elevations are measured with respect mean sea level.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Everest
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K2

NOAA has a page on the heights of various mountains.
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/highestpoint.html

The top of Mount Chimborazo is farther from the Earth's center than Mount Everest. Ecuador’s Mount Chimborazo, located just one degree south of the Equator where Earth’s bulge is greatest.
 
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The tallest mountain is arguably Mt. Lamlam. The problem is that most of it is covered by the Pacific Ocean.
 
It would make a fun thread or a fun Insight to list the many subjects on PF where the answer is, "It depends on how you define it or how you measure it." I wish I had starting taking notes on that 5 years ago. I'll start now. Entry 1) Mountains.
 
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Entry 2) Life, and many things associated with it.
 
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Astronuc said:
The top of Mount Chimborazo is farther from the Earth's center than Mount Everest. Ecuador’s Mount Chimborazo, located just one degree south of the Equator where Earth’s bulge is greatest.
Chimborazo was first climbed by Edward Whymper and the Carrel brothers in 1880. An incredible achievement, which you can read about in "Travels Among the Great Andes".
 
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I tried to climb Chimborazo in 1997. It was my first trip to high altitude. It's a midnight start but the weather didn't look promising so it was abandoned. However, two of us were keen to do something, so we set off at 5am with a young Ecuadorian "guide". By then the weather was perfect and we bombed half way up in a couple of hours. A long radio call ensued and it was finally decided that it was too risky to let the three of us attempt the summit. I was more phlegmatic than the other client, Trevor, who (rightly IMO) blamed the chaotic organisation and lack of ambition of the British trip leader.

It all ended acrimoniously in a Cuban restaurant in Quito!
 
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Good for you @PeroK. Adventures are adventures, successful or not. More people should take the chance to adventure.
 

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