Sunday, October 16, 2005
It's smaller than you thinkThat must be one of the most common disappointments of mankind, but this time we are talking about the tallest mountain on Earth. Scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping have determined that Mount Everest, or Qomolangma as the Chinese call it, is only 29, 017 feet above sea level, a good 12 feet shorter than measured 30 years ago.
They attributed the difference mainly to the fact that the previous survey team did not locate the summit's actual rock surface, but instead measured the highest point with layers of ice and snow included. This time, they figured out that the ice is 11 feet thick and corrected for it. Together with other adjustments based on more sophisticated satellite GPS and radar altimeter equipment, they arrived at the new mountain height.
They have checked and re-checked their metric conversions, and assured us that the mountain did not get shorter over the years because every climber was taking a rock home as souvenir. But it is quite possible that many climbers may have gone through all the trouble only to stand on the highest ice point but not the true rock peak, and may have to ascend again to maintain their bragging rights (That's a bit like debating which building is tallest -- with or without the antenna on top?)
In the meantime, the mountain is going into deep seclusion and getting psychological counseling. Twelve feet is a whole lot of shrinkage.
- posted by Woofwoof @ 6:49 AM
