Hidden Giants: Mountains Taller than Everest but Not As High Above Sea Level
Are There Any Mountains Taller Than Mount Everest But Not as High Above Sea Level?
For many, Mount Everest stands alone as the tallest mountain in the world, surpassing all others with its grand height above sea level. However, there are other magnificent peaks that might not attain the same elevation, yet they hold their own significance in terms of their base-to-summit height. This article delves into these lesser-known giants and explores why they are not considered as tall as Mount Everest.
Introduction
The peak of Mount Everest, with its majestic height of 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) above sea level, has long been recognized as the highest point on Earth. Despite this, other towering mountains exist whose total height from base to summit surpasses Everest. This article aims to explore these hidden giants and delve into the nuances of mountain measurement.
Mountains Taller Than Everest by Base-to-Summit Height
The usual answer to the question of mountains taller than Everest is the volcanic peaks of Hawaii, most notably Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.
Mauna Loa
Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on Earth, has a base-to-peak height of 9,170 meters (30,085 feet). This enormous size means that a substantial portion of the mountain lies below sea level, contributing to its immense total height. In comparison, Mount Everest has a height of 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) from its base to its summit, making Mauna Loa a significantly larger mountain in terms of total height.
Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea has a dry prominence of 9,330 meters (30,610 feet), further highlighting its immense stature. However, like Mauna Loa, a large part of this mountain is submerged beneath the Pacific Ocean.
Chimborazo
A less known giant but equally intriguing is Chimborazo in Ecuador. Chimborazo's summit is 6,267.6 meters (20,564 feet) above sea level. While this is less than Everest's height, Chimborazo's location on Earth's equatorial bulge gives it the distinction of being the point on Earth's surface farthest from the center of the planet. This extra distance from the center makes Chimborazo unique among land masses.
Conclusion
The concept of the tallest mountain in the world can be ambiguous and dependent on the criterion used. While Mount Everest is unequivocally the highest above sea level, when it comes to total height from base to summit, the mountains of Hawaii and Chimborazo claim significant titles. Each of these giants holds its own unique place in the diverse landscape of our planet, enriching our understanding and appreciation of Earth's natural wonders.