Mount everest is the tallest mountain in the world above sea level but mauna kea is technically taller its base extends to the bottom of the pacific making it more than 3 000 feet taller than mt everest

Mount Everest vs. Mauna Kea: An Unsettling Fact about the Tallest Mountains

When we think about the tallest mountain in the world above sea level, Mount Everest immediately comes to mind. Standing tall at approximately 29,029 feet, it has long been revered as the ultimate pinnacle of mountaineering achievement. However, what if I told you that there is another mountain, not as well-known and popular as Everest, that is actually taller?

That mountain is Mauna Kea, located in Hawaii. Now, you might be thinking, “How can Mauna Kea be taller than Mount Everest if it isn’t as famous or talked about?” Well, the answer lies in the technical definition of height and how it is measured.

While Mount Everest is indeed the tallest mountain above sea level, Mauna Kea has a hidden advantage. Its base extends deep into the Pacific Ocean, reaching the ocean floor. This unique characteristic makes Mauna Kea more than 3,000 feet taller than Mount Everest when measuring from base to summit.

To understand this better, let’s delve into the specifics. Mount Everest’s height is determined by measuring the distance from sea level to its summit, making it the highest peak in terms of altitude. However, Mauna Kea’s base is submerged beneath the surface of the Pacific Ocean, with its true height measured from its underwater base to its summit. This remarkable feature gives Mauna Kea an undeniable edge in claiming the title of the tallest mountain in the world.

But why is Mauna Kea not as widely recognized as Mount Everest? The answer lies in the prominence and cultural significance associated with these mountains. Mount Everest, located in the majestic Himalayas, has captured the imagination of adventurers and explorers for centuries. Its challenging and treacherous climbing routes have become the stuff of legends, attracting daring climbers from all over the world.

On the other hand, Mauna Kea is known more for its astronomical observatories, scientific research, and cultural importance to the Native Hawaiian people. Rising above the beautiful landscapes of Hawaii, Mauna Kea serves as a vital hub for studying astronomy and unlocking the mysteries of the cosmos.

In conclusion, while Mount Everest holds the title of the tallest mountain above sea level, it is essential to recognize Mauna Kea’s unique distinction. Its hidden base extending deep into the Pacific Ocean makes it taller than Everest by over 3,000 feet. Both mountains have their respective significance, captivating the hearts and minds of people around the world in different ways.

Sources:

• National Geographic: Mauna Kea