Is Mount Everest Still the Highest Peak if 1/10 of It Fell Off?

The question of whether Mount Everest would remain the highest peak if 1/10th of its height fell off is a fascinating one. Let's explore this intriguing scenario through the lens of two different ways to measure a mountain's height: above sea level and from base to summit.

Height Above Sea Level

When we talk about the height of a mountain, we typically refer to its height above sea level. This is the standard measurement for determining the world's highest mountains. Mount Everest, standing at 8848 meters above sea level, is currently the highest peak on our planet.

For the sake of this discussion, let's assume we are removing 1/10th of Everest's height above sea level. That's 884.8 meters. Subtracting this from the original height leaves us with 7963.2 meters. At this height, Everest would fall significantly short of the 8000-meter mark, which it famously reaches. In fact, Mt. Everest would rank as the 14th tallest mountain in the world.

Height from Base to Summit

Let's consider an alternative measurement, the height from the mountain's base to its summit. This perspective takes into account the mountain's overall size from its base, which is not as commonly used but is also a valid way to measure a mountain's height.

In this scenario, we need to acknowledge that there are regions with high base levels that affect the measurement. For example, valleys in regions like Pakistan and Nepal are often higher than the summits of some mountains in Europe. This 'base altitude' is a critical factor in determining a mountain's true height from base to summit.

Everest's base camp, situated at 5380 meters, gives us a good reference point. From this base camp to the summit of Everest, the total height is approximately 3468 meters. If 10% of this height were to fall off, it would leave a new height of 3121.2 meters, making Everest 8501.2 meters above sea level.

At this reduced height, Everest would be the fourth tallest mountain in the world, behind K2, Kangchenjunga, and Lhotse, which stand at 8611 meters, 8586 meters, and 8516 meters respectively.

Conclusion

So, to answer the question, if 1/10th of Mount Everest's height above sea level fell off, it would no longer be the world's highest peak. However, if considering the height from base to summit, it would still remain the world's highest peak, but with a significantly reduced height.

This brings us to a fascinating insight: the measurement used can significantly alter our perception of a mountain's status. It highlights the importance of understanding the context and standards used when evaluating geographical features.