Mount Everest: Geography and Expeditions

Location and Features of Mount Everest

• Mount Everest is located in Nepal, part of the Himalayas, and stands at 8850m high.
• It is a dream destination for mountain climbers.

The First Ascent of Mount Everest

• The first successful ascent of Mount Everest was led by Colonel John Hunt on May 28, 1953.
• The two explorers, Hilary and Tenzing, reached the summit on this expedition.

Route to the Summit of Mount Everest

• The main route to the summit passes through:
  • Base Camp
  • Khumbu Icefall
  • Camp 1
  • Camp 2
  • Camp 3
  • Lhotse Face
  • South Col
  • South Summit
  • Mount Everest

Dangers of Climbing Mount Everest

• Physical hazards:
  • Steep terrain
  • Risk of avalanche and crevasse
• Health issues:
  • Altitude sickness
  • Very low temperatures

Significance of 8000 Metres Altitude

• At 8000m, climbers face:
  • Lack of oxygen
  • Weakened physical state
  • Increased stress leading to poor decisions

Geology of the Himalayas and Mount Everest

• The Himalayas formed due to continental drift, crashing, and folding of the Indian tectonic plate.
• The different layers of rock on Mount Everest include:
  • Schists (metamorphic) at the base
  • Granite further up
  • Shale, sandstone, and limestone towards the top

The Sherpa People

• The Sherpa people are from the Everest region (Solu-Khumbu District) and originated from Eastern Tibet.
• They were skilled in carrying goods at high altitude and became porters for better pay.

The Issue of Dead Climbers on the Mountain

• Bodies do not decay in the ice, serving as a reminder to climbers of the dangers of Mount Everest.
• However, the presence of dead bodies can be disturbing to climbers.

Geography of Mount Everest

• Located in the Himalayas on the Nepal/China border at 27° 59' N latitude and 86° 55' E longitude
• Stands at 8,848 meters (29,029 ft) above sea level, making it the highest mountain on Earth
• Formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, creating a fold mountain
• Part of the Mahalangur Himal sub-range

Climbing Routes and Challenges

• Two main climbing routes: South Col (Nepal side) and North Col (Tibet side)
• South Col route is the most popular and relatively safest route
• North Col route is more challenging and exposed to harsh weather
• Climbing seasons: Spring (March to May) is the best time, with relatively stable weather, and Autumn (September to November) is the second-best time, with fewer crowds
• Climbing difficulties include high altitude, extreme weather conditions, steep rock and ice walls, and crevasses and avalanches

Ecosystem and Environment

• Mount Everest has an extreme environment with low oxygen levels, extreme temperatures, and high winds
• Limited biodiversity, with mosses, lichens, and grasses in lower altitudes, and no trees above 5,500 meters (18,000 ft)
• Endangered species include the snow leopard, Tibetan antelope, and Himalayan jumping spider
• Human impact on the ecosystem includes litter, pollution, and human waste

Expedition History and Notable Climbers

• First ascent by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953
• Notable expeditions include the 1922 British expedition, which reached 8,000 meters (26,247 ft), and Reinhold Messner's solo ascent in 1980
• The 1996 disaster on the mountain resulted in multiple fatalities
• Over 4,000 people have successfully climbed Mount Everest

Weather Patterns and Conditions

• Temperatures range from -60°C to -10°C (-76°F to 14°F), with wind speeds reaching up to 100 km/h (62 mph)
• Heavy snowfall occurs, especially during the monsoon season (June to September)
• Climbing windows occur during brief periods of relatively stable weather, often during Spring and Autumn
• Winter season (December to February) brings extreme cold and low oxygen levels

Geography

• Located in the Himalayas on the border between Nepal and Tibet, China
• Highest peak above sea level: 8,848 meters (29,029 ft)
• Part of the Mahalangur Himal sub-range
• Formed from the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates

Ecosystem

• Alpine zone: above 5,500 meters, characterized by limited vegetation and extreme temperatures
• Subalpine zone: 3,500-5,500 meters, features scrubby vegetation and harsh conditions
• Temperate zone: 2,500-3,500 meters, coniferous forests, and moderate climate
• Subtropical zone: below 2,500 meters, dense forests, and mild climate
• Home to endangered species, including the snow leopard and Himalayan jumping spider

Weather Conditions

• Temperatures range from -60°C to 25°C (-76°F to 77°F)
• Winds can reach up to 280 km/h (175 mph)
• Oxygen levels are only 33% of sea-level oxygen levels
• Weather patterns include monsoon season (June-September) and winter storms (December-February)

Expedition History

• First ascent achieved by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary on May 29, 1953
• Notable expeditions include 1922: British expedition, 1933: British expedition, and 1996: IMAX expedition
• Over 300 reported deaths since 1953

Climbing Routes

• South Col route: most popular route, via Nepal
• North Col route: via Tibet
• West Ridge route: more challenging, via Nepal
• Other routes: East Face, West Face, and Northeast Ridge

Sherpa People

• Indigenous to the Himalayas
• Expert mountaineers and guides
• Tenzing Norgay: first Sherpa to climb Everest, 1953
• Lama Srb: first Sherpa to climb the Seven Summits

Himalayas Formation

• Continental collision: Indian plate collided with Eurasian plate, 50 million years ago
• Orogenesis: process of mountain building, resulting in the Himalayan mountain range

Altitude Sickness

• Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): symptoms include headache, nausea, and fatigue
• High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): fluid buildup in lungs, life-threatening
• High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): fluid buildup in brain, life-threatening
• Prevention: gradual ascent, rest, hydration, and oxygen therapy

Everest Camps

• Base Camp: 5,364 meters (17,598 ft), starting point for climbs
• Camp I: 6,065 meters (19,900 ft)
• Camp II: 6,400 meters (20,997 ft)
• Camp III: 7,200 meters (23,622 ft)
• Camp IV: 7,906 meters (25,938 ft), final camp before the summit

Geography

• Located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayan mountain range in Asia
• Situated on the border between Nepal and Tibet, China
• Highest peak above sea level, with an elevation of 8,848 meters (29,029 ft)
• Also known as Sagarmatha in Nepali and Chomolungma in Tibetan

Climbing Routes

• Most popular routes:
  • South Col route (Nepal side) is the safest and most frequently used
  • North Col route (Tibet side) is more challenging and exposed to harsh weather
• Other routes include:
  • West Ridge route
  • East Ridge route
  • Southwest Face route

Ecosystem

• High-altitude environment with extreme temperatures and low oxygen levels
• Limited vegetation consists of:
  • High-altitude grasses and shrubs
  • Rare species of rhododendron and juniper
• Home to several endangered species, including:
  • Snow leopard
  • Himalayan jumping spider
  • Impeyan pheasant

Expedition History

• First successful ascent by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953
• Over 4,000 successful ascents to date
• Notable expeditions include:
  • 1922: British Mount Everest Expedition led by George Mallory and Andrew Irvine
  • 1963: First American ascent by Jim Whittaker

Weather Conditions

• Extreme weather conditions include:
  • Temperatures ranging from -60°C to -10°C (-76°F to 14°F)
  • Wind speeds up to 100 km/h (62 mph)
  • Frequent and heavy snowfall
• Climbing seasons:
  • Spring (March to May) is the most popular and relatively stable weather
  • Autumn (September to November) is less crowded and more challenging weather

Sherpa People

• Indigenous people living in the Himalayas, primarily in Nepal
• Renowned for their mountaineering skills and high-altitude adaptations
• Traditional occupations:
  • Porters and guides for mountaineering expeditions
  • Farmers and traders in the lower Himalayan regions

Himalayas Formation

• Formed as a result of the Indian tectonic plate colliding with the Eurasian plate
• Ongoing process of orogenesis, resulting in the continued uplift of the Himalayas
• Estimated to have risen by 1 inch (2.5 cm) in the past 50 years

Altitude Sickness

• Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition
• Caused by the body's inability to adapt to high altitudes and low oxygen levels
• Symptoms include:
  • Headaches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Shortness of breath

Everest Camps

• Series of camps established at various altitudes to support climbers and expeditions
• Camps include:
  • Base Camp (5,364 meters / 17,598 ft): main camp and starting point for climbs
  • Camp I (6,065 meters / 19,900 ft): first camp on the mountain
  • Camp II (6,400 meters / 20,997 ft): second camp, also known as Advanced Base Camp
  • Camp III (7,200 meters / 23,622 ft): third camp, located on the West Ridge
  • Camp IV (7,906 meters / 25,938 ft): final camp, also known as the South Col

Sherpa People

• Originate from the Himalayas
• Traditionally, farmers and traders, now guides and porters for mountaineers
• Physically adapted to high altitude with:
  • Increased oxygen delivery to body tissues
  • Efficient oxygen binding to hemoglobin
  • High mitochondrial density in muscle cells
• Many have climbed Mount Everest multiple times, holding records for most ascents

Himalayas Formation

• Formed 50 million years ago through the collision of Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates
• Ongoing process, still rising by 1 inch (2.5 cm) every year
• Indian plate is being pushed beneath the Eurasian plate (continental subduction)

Altitude Sickness

• Also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
• Caused by lower air pressure and oxygen levels at high altitudes
• Symptoms include:
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Fatal if not recognized and treated promptly
• Acclimatization is key to prevent AMS

Everest Camps

• Series of camps established on the mountain to facilitate climbers' ascent
• Camps located at:
  • Base Camp (5,364m/17,598ft)
  • Camp I (6,065m/19,900ft)
  • Camp II (6,400m/20,997ft)
  • Camp III (7,200m/23,622ft)
  • Camp IV (8,000m/26,247ft)
• Each camp provides temporary refuge, with tents, food, and medical supplies
• Climbers spend several nights at each camp to acclimate to increasing altitude