The largest mountain in the water. The highest mountain on earth. Shield types of volcanoes go through several stages

According to official calculations, the height of Mount Everest is 8848 meters above sea level. The first to establish that Everest is the highest in the world mountain peak, was the Indian mathematician Radhanath Sikdar. This happened in 1852. At the top of Everest, strong winds blow, the speed of which can reach 200 kilometers per hour.

Taking into account acclimatization and setting up camps, climbing to the top of Chomolungma, on average, takes about two months. The most difficult section of the climb is said to be the last 300 meters, nicknamed "the longest mile on Earth" by successful Everest climbers. The difficulty of this section lies in the fact that a person needs to overcome a very steep and smooth rock slope, which is covered with fine slippery snow. In addition to the obvious dangers of mountaineering, the difficulties in climbing Everest also lie in the high rarefaction of the atmosphere; in low temperatures down to -60°C and in high solar radiation at altitudes.

Chimborazo is the farthest point from the center of the Earth

Chimborazo is an inactive volcano located in the Andes mountain range in Ecuador. The peak of Mount Chimborazo is located at an altitude of 6267 meters, but since it is not a perfect sphere, but a geoid, the peak of Chimborazo is the farthest point from the center of the Earth. Even though Chimborazo is 2,580 meters lower than Mount Everest, it is still 2,168 kilometers further from the center of the Earth than the highest point of Mount Everest. Until the early 19th century, Chimborazo was considered the highest peak on Earth.

Mauna Kea is the highest mountain, taking into account the base located on the ocean floor

The height of Mauna Kea, which is located on the island of Hawaii, is 4205 meters above sea level. However, most of this mountain is under water: if you take into account its height, taking into account the foot, which is located on the ocean floor, the height of Mauna Kea is about 10 kilometers. Additionally, due to the altitude and lack of light pollution in the area, Mauna Kea is one of the most best places in the world for astronomical observations. There are 13 telescopes from 11 countries located on the mountain.

The Mariana Trench is the deepest place on Earth

According to recent research, the deepest point of the Mariana Trench, called the Challenger Deep, is located at a depth of 10,994 meters. If you place the most high peak world - Everest - to the bottom of the Mariana Trench, then it will be covered with another two-kilometer layer of water. The Mariana Trench is located in the western Pacific Ocean near the Mariana Islands.

The Dead Sea coast is the lowest landmass on Earth

Coast Dead Sea is located 430 meters below sea level, which makes this place the most low area sushi on Earth. In addition, the Dead Sea is one of the saltiest lakes in the world - it is 9.6 times saltier than the ocean. This salinity creates harsh conditions in which the familiar species of plants and animals in the waters of the Dead Sea will not be able to thrive. This is where its name comes from.

Bouvet Island is the most distant island in the world from the mainland.

Bouvet Island is an uninhabited volcanic island located in the southern part of Atlantic Ocean. 93% of its territory is covered by glaciers. The closest landmass to the island is Gough Island, located approximately 1,600 kilometers from Bouvet Island. The closest mainland to Bouvet Island is the coast, which is 1,700 kilometers away. The average annual temperature in this place ranges from 0°C to -3°C.

Death Valley is one of the hottest places in the world

Death Valley is a desert valley located in the western United States. On July 10, 1913, the highest air temperature on Earth was recorded here - +56.7 °C. The average maximum temperature in July reaches 46 °C, dropping to 31 °C at night. The valley is surrounded by mountains, and its surface, practically devoid of plants, is mostly flat. When the air at ground level warms up, it begins to rise, moving up steep, high mountain ridges, which then cools slightly as it moves back toward the ground. This heated air forms hot wind currents, which prevent large amounts of clouds from passing over the valley.

Vulcan is unofficially the most high mountain on the planet, if the height is taken to be the distance from the foot of the mountain to the top. The peak is located in the Hawaiian Islands.

Mauna Kea volcano in Hawaii

Despite the fact that the volcano rises above sea level “only” 4,205 meters, this mountain is the highest on our planet. Most of it is hidden under water, and its foot begins at a depth of about 6 kilometers. General height of Mauna Kea- 10210 m. Thus, it holds the record for the highest mountain on Earth.

Located on the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean and is the highest point in that region. The islanders have great respect for the mountain, considering its peak a sacred place. Even today, not all Hawaiians can climb to the summit, and only high-ranking chiefs are allowed to visit the peak.

The age of the mountain is about 1 million years, but it “lived” its most active period of life about 500 thousand years ago, and currently the volcano is extinct, and scientists believe that no eruption is expected in the foreseeable future. Although its activity cannot be completely ruled out, most residents of the region feel quite calm. The fact is that there are 13 observatories on the top of the mountain - the mountain is simply ideal for astronomical observations. Scientists who are constantly located above the very mouth of the volcano, as well as scientific geological equipment located there, minimize the suddenness of the onset of the eruption. Therefore, the USGS assigned the volcano the lowest possible rating.

Although Mauna Kea is located in tropical latitudes, snow lies on its summit all year round, having formed large ice caps over the centuries. The slopes of the volcano are completely overgrown with dense forest, in some places almost impenetrable. The ancient Hawaiians revered the Mauna Kea bush, which provided them with food. Before the arrival of Europeans on the island, the indigenous population existed thanks to the fruits of the forest. However, the appearance of domestic animals with " big land“only shook the ecological balance of nature, and some representatives of the unique fauna disappeared, and the remaining ones are under pressure from introduced animals and plants. It got to the point that the Hawaiian authorities took an unprecedented step, announcing the beginning of the eradication of introduced species of flora and fauna.

Mauna Kea: flora and fauna

At the top there is the so-called alpine belt. This place is characterized by high lighting (and therefore high solar radiation). The average air temperature is below zero degrees. Strong winds are typical. Neither trees nor shrubs grow in such alpine meadows. Most of flora in this zone it is represented by low herbaceous perennials, including evergreens.

At the top of Mauna Kea is the Alpine Preserve. Under its protection are all representatives of the animal and plant world that live at such a high altitude. The wolf spider lives here, which can live at an altitude of 4,200 m. The total number of spiders on the summit is not known, since the study of the endemic began only in the 80s of the 20th century. A local attraction is the Forest Scarf butterfly, which hides in the crevices of stones that are heated and retain the heat received during the day.


Below alpine meadows there is a forest consisting of Golden-leaved Sophora, a leguminous tree that grows only in Hawaii. The forest area is constantly shrinking, under the yoke of introduced species. It is estimated that the current area of ​​Sophora's forests is only 10% of its former size, so they are declared critically endangered. Now the entire forest area (212 sq. km) is a nature reserve.

Below 2 km. there is a lower zone , which is also a nature reserve. It is home to 8 species of birds that are on the verge of extinction, and 12 species of plants, the numbers of which are also inexorably falling. The ecosystem was greatly damaged by Europeans who arrived in Hawaii and cut down a significant part of the trees for their settlements, as well as clearing places for future sugar plantations.

Although Mauna Kea rising above sea level “only” a little over 4,200 meters, this mountain is the highest on our planet. Most of it is hidden under water, and its foot begins at a depth exceeding 10,000 m. Thus, it is Mauna Kei that holds the record for the highest mountain, and not Everest, as is commonly believed.

Mauna Kea is located in the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean and is the highest point in that region. The islanders have great respect for the mountain, considering its peak a sacred place. Even today, not all Hawaiians can climb to the summit, and only high-ranking chiefs are allowed to visit the peak of Mauna Kei.

The age of the mountain is about 1 million years, but it “lived” its most active period of life about 500 thousand years ago, and currently the volcano is extinct, and scientists believe that no eruption is expected in the foreseeable future. Although activity on Mauna Kea cannot be completely ruled out, most residents of the region feel fairly calm. The fact is that there are 13 observatories on the top of the mountain - the mountain is simply ideal for astronomical observations. Scientists who are constantly located above the very mouth of the volcano, as well as scientific geological equipment located there, minimize the suddenness of the onset of the eruption. That's why US Geological Survey assigned the volcano the lowest possible rating.


Although Mauna Kea is located in tropical latitudes, snow lies on its summit all year round, having formed large ice caps over the centuries. The slopes of the volcano are completely overgrown with dense forest, in some places almost impenetrable. The ancient Hawaiians revered the Mauna Kea bush, which provided them with food. Before the arrival of Europeans on the island, the indigenous population existed thanks to the fruits of the forest. However, the appearance of domestic animals from the “mainland” only shook the ecological balance of nature, and some representatives of the unique fauna disappeared, and the rest are under pressure from introduced animals and plants. It got to the point that the Hawaiian authorities took an unprecedented step, announcing the beginning of the eradication of introduced species of flora and fauna.

Flora and fauna

At the top of the volcano there is the so-called alpine belt. This place is characterized by high lighting (and therefore high solar radiation). The average air temperature is below zero degrees. Strong winds are typical. Neither trees nor shrubs grow in such alpine meadows. Most of the flora in this zone is represented by low herbaceous perennials, including evergreens.

Located at the top of Mauna Kea Alpine Belt Nature Reserve. Under its protection are all representatives of the animal and plant world that live at such a high altitude. Lives here wolf spider, which can live at an altitude of 4,200 m. The total number of spiders at the top is not known, since the study of the endemic began only in the 80s of the 20th century. Local landmark - butterfly " forest scarf”, which hides in the crevices of stones that are heated and retain the heat received during the day.

Below the alpine meadows there is a forest consisting of Golden leaf Sophora- legume trees that grow only in Hawaii. The forest area is constantly shrinking, under the yoke of introduced species. It is estimated that the current area of ​​Sophora's forests is only 10% of its former size, so they are declared critically endangered. Now the entire forest area (212 sq. km) is a nature reserve.

Below 2 km. located lower Mauna Kea zone, which is also a nature reserve. It is home to 8 species of birds that are on the verge of extinction, and 12 species of plants, the numbers of which are also inexorably falling. The ecosystem was greatly damaged by Europeans who arrived in Hawaii and cut down a significant part of the trees for their settlements, as well as clearing places for future sugar plantations.

Rest

More than 100 thousand tourists from all over the world visit the mountain every year. There is a road to the peak that can be used by powerful SUVs. The main attraction at the top of the volcano (besides the beautiful view) is the observatory. 13 scientific astronomical centers from 11 countries have been built on Mauna Kea.

During the winter months, when the snowpack is denser, many visitors to Mauna Kea ski. True, the routes are chosen not at the very top, where the wind speed can reach 110 km/h, but slightly lower.

If you think that Everest is the tallest mountain in the world, then you are mistaken. Everest is the highest point on the planet. A point, but not a mountain. The record holder for height is in Hawaii. This Mount Mauna Kea.

The fact is that there is a small incident here. What should be taken as height - the absolute indicator from the base to the top or the height above sea level? It is logical to assume that the size of a mountain should be determined by its absolute height. Imagine that you walked waist-deep into the water of some amazing beach, for example, Hanauma Bay in Hawaii, has your height changed? Of course not. So, the first place comes out to Mount Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii of the archipelago of the same name.

Mauna Kea on the map

  • Geographic coordinates 19.822098, -155.467083
  • Distance from the state capital, Honolulu, approximately 300 km
  • The nearest Hilo International Airport is about 45 km

The absolute height of Mauna Kea is 10,203 meters. Its peak is located at an altitude of 4,205 meters above the sea, but the rest is hidden in the depths Pacific Ocean. Thus, its height exceeds the height of Everest by 1355 meters, which makes it the most high mountain in the world.

Although it is actually a volcano (one of five on the island), approximately 1 million years old. About 500 thousand years ago it was powerful and very active. Gradually the volcanic activity died down. The last eruption occurred about 4,500 years ago. On this moment The volcano is considered extinct. Even the American Geological Survey assigned the volcano the lowest activity rating.

Mauna Kea means White Mountain in Hawaiian. This is quite understandable, since in winter the top of the mountain is covered with a cap of snow. Tourists can even go skiing there. But not at the very top, where the wind speed exceeds 100 km/h, but a little lower. There is a completely normal road on the mountain, along which you can drive SUVs almost to the very peak.

According to Hawaiian lore, the island's peaks are sacred, and the Mauna Kea volcano is the most sacred of them all. Only the highest-ranking leaders of local tribes have the right to go there. Ordinary Hawaiians are prohibited from climbing.

Apparently, this ban does not apply to tourists and scientists, since the former climb 100 thousand a year to the top of Mauna Kea, and the latter have set up as many as 13 observatories there. By the way, these astronomical centers belong to 11 countries.

It’s not for nothing that astronomers liked the mountain, because it is one of the best places for observing space. The altitude of the location, proximity to the equator, and minimal cloudiness create ideal conditions for this. But there are still disagreements with the local population about the legality of building scientific centers in a sacred place. Plus, a large number of tourists can harm the ecology of the volcano. There is debate about this too.

  • This is the most high point Hawaiian Islands
  • According to scientists, the volume of Mauna Kea is more than 3,200 cubic kilometers
  • The volcano occupies 22.8% of the entire island

Mauna Kea photo

White Mountain

The geological history of Mauna Kea is reflected in its legends. The main character in them is Pele. This creature is often called the goddess of fire and volcanoes, but this is not entirely accurate; Hawaiians classify Pele as a “kupua”, spirits with supernatural powers, messengers of the gods. In other words, kupua is approximately the same as an angel or demon among Christians and Muslims. There is a belief that the Cupua have descendants living among local residents. According to legend, one fine day Pele and her four friends: Lilinoe the mistress of the mists, Waioau, in whose power the underground waters (Waioau is the name of the lake on Mauna Kea), Kahoupokane, in charge of the springs, and Poliahu, the snow maiden, decided to go sledding from the cliffs (note: from the cliffs, there is no volcano yet!), and not just like that, but to organize a speed competition. It was unclear who won, but Pele declared that she was first, and the maidens began to quarrel. Kahoupokane stamped her foot in anger - and an earthquake began, Lilinoe shrouded everything in fog, Waioau released underground waters. Then Pele caused an underground fire that poured out hot lava. Poliakh owns the last point in this mythical-geological story: she was the first to reach the top of the fire-breathing mountain that rose from the ocean and covered it with snow. "Mauna Kea" in the local dialect means " White Mountain" But Pele also did not give up and from time to time threw clumps of hot lava at her rivals, and then resigned herself. Everything is the same as in the geological history of the volcano: according to it, eruptions after the main cataclysm periodically repeated for some time, and then stopped. This happened approximately 6000-4000 years ago. Since then, the Mauna Kea volcano has been dormant, and it appeared in the late Pleistocene era (the Pleistocene ended about 12,000 years ago).
The Mauna Kea volcano is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the highest mountain on Earth (10,203 m), higher (8850 m according to the latest measurements). Many references to such a comparison can be found, but all of them are incorrect from the point of view of topographic measurements: the height of the mountain should be calculated from the surface of the earth, in this case from sea level, and not from the ocean floor. So Everest is Everest, and the true height of Mauna Kea is 4205 m.
Low humidity is ensured by the peculiarities of the volcano's topography. Due to the fact that its rocks constantly freeze and thaw, stripes of fine-grained and coarse-grained grains are formed. stone material, like streams flowing down the slopes of a cone. Along them, the melted water rushes to the foot of the volcano. Constantly moistened volcanic ash created fertile soil there. A tropical cloud layer, reaching about 600 m in thickness, is located below the peak and in turn insulates it from the penetration of humid sea air and air pollutants.
The upper level of Mauna Kea is figuratively called the kingdom of Aeolus (the god of the wind among the ancient Greeks). The wind speed at the top reaches 110 km/h. Solar radiation levels are high and oxygen levels are low. Here, in the alpine belt, only herbaceous perennials grow, spiders live, and among them the endemic wolf spider and the endemic forest scarf butterfly. Below begins a forest of shrubs or trees of the golden-leaved Sophora of the legume family, endemic to Hawaii. The current area of ​​these forests has decreased by 10% from what was first determined in the 19th century. The area of ​​these forests today is 212 km 2, they are declared protected areas. Below starts a tropical forest, where 8 species of endemic birds nest alone, and 12 species of plants, unique even for the endemic-rich flora of Hawaii.
The main attraction of Mauna Kea is its astronomical complex at the top: these are 13 scientific centers of 11 countries and, accordingly, 13 of the most advanced telescopes. The complex appeared on Mauna Kea in 1964, shortly after a road was built to the top. Conservationists of the volcano mountain have a number of serious arguments against the existence of observatories. Well, the most significant argument in favor relates to safety considerations: the most precise astronomical instruments will be the first to notice the slightest disturbance in the mouth of a volcano, and the fact that it may one day wake up is not at all excluded, according to volcanologists.


general information

One of the five volcanoes of the island of Hawaii. The other four are Mauna Loa, Kilauea, Hualalai, Kohala.
Type: panel.
Geographical position: Oceania, Hawaii island archipelago Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean.
Affiliation: USA, Hawaii, the highest point of the state.
Climbing season: all year round.
Lake: Waioau.
Best season to practice alpine skiing and snowboarding: from late January to March.
Most important airport: international Airport Honolulu (Oahu island of the Hawaiian archipelago).

Numbers

Height: 4205 m.
Area of ​​the island of Hawaii ( Big Island): 10,432.5 km 2.
Area of ​​Mauna Kea: 2378.61 km 2 or 22.8% of the island's area.

Economy

Scientific research.
Tourism.

Climate and weather

Mountain (alpine).
Temperatures at the summit of Mauna Kea range from -4°C to +4°C during the winter months, but the winds make it feel much colder.
In the summer months, temperatures range from 0 to +15°C.
Average annual precipitation : on slopes - 800 mm, at the foot - up to 4000 mm.

Attractions

    Waioau is one of the highest lakes in the world - it is located at an altitude of 3968 m.

    Researchers from the National astronomical observatory Japan reported in April 2012 that, while working at the observatory on Mauna Kea, they had discovered the most distant cluster of galaxies from Earth. The distance to it is 12.7 billion light years. This is more than 70 million light years greater than the distance to the most distant cluster of galaxies known so far. The scientific significance of the discovery is that it may change the current view of the evolution of galaxies after the Big Bang.