Mount Everest: Geography and Expeditions
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Questions and Answers

In which mountain range is Mount Everest located?

  • The Rocky Mountains
  • The Himalayas (correct)
  • The Andes
  • The Karakoram
  • What is the height of Mount Everest?

  • 8000m
  • 8850m (correct)
  • 9000m
  • 8500m
  • Who led the 1953 expedition to climb Mount Everest?

  • Edmund Hillary
  • Colonel John Hunt (correct)
  • Tenzing
  • Hilary
  • What is the name of the steep and difficult wall of ice on the route to Mount Everest?

    <p>Lhotse Face</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the main physical hazards for climbers on Mount Everest?

    <p>Avalanche</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is 8000 meters in altitude significant for climbers?

    <p>Because of the lack of oxygen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the process that formed the Himalayas, including Mount Everest?

    <p>Continental drift</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of rock is found at the base of Mount Everest?

    <p>Schist</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which sub-range of the Himalayan mountain range is Mount Everest located?

    <p>Mahalangur Himal</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most popular route to climb Mount Everest?

    <p>South Col route</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of vegetation is commonly found in the high-altitude environment of Mount Everest?

    <p>High-altitude grasses and shrubs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who made the first successful ascent of Mount Everest?

    <p>Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical temperature range at the summit of Mount Everest?

    <p>-60°C to -10°C (-76°F to 14°F)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary occupation of the Sherpa people in the lower Himalayan regions?

    <p>Farmers and traders</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the series of camps established on Mount Everest?

    <p>To support climbers and expeditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following climbing seasons is the most popular and relatively stable?

    <p>Spring (March to May)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the altitude of Camp I on Mount Everest?

    <p>6,065 meters (19,900 ft)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary cause of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)?

    <p>Inability of the body to adapt to high altitudes and low oxygen levels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a unique adaptation of the Sherpa people to high altitude?

    <p>Increased oxygen delivery to the body's tissues</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the process by which the Indian plate is being pushed beneath the Eurasian plate?

    <p>Continental subduction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary symptom of altitude sickness?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical rate of elevation gain of the Himalayas?

    <p>1 inch (2.5 cm) every year</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the process by which the body adapts to decreasing oxygen levels at high altitude?

    <p>Acclimatization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the elevation of Base Camp on Mount Everest?

    <p>5,364m (17,598ft)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do climbers typically spend several nights at each camp on Mount Everest?

    <p>To acclimate to the increasing altitude</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of the collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates?

    <p>The formation of the Himalayas</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    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

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