The Tallest Mountain in the World: Mauna Kea, Not Mount Everest

 (Image: Explorersweb)

Mauna Kea: The True Tallest Mountain

• Total Height : Mauna Kea rises about 10,210 meters from the ocean floor, making it the tallest mountain in the world.
• Height Above Sea Level : While its elevation above sea level is only 4,205 meters , its total size, counting the submerged portion beneath the Pacific Ocean, is much greater than Everest's.
• Location : Mauna Kea is a volcano located on the Big Island of the Hawaiian archipelago, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Why Is Mauna Kea Taller Than Everest?

The key to understanding why Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain on Earth lies in its base.

• Mount Everest : Its base is located about 5,380 meters above sea level, with its summit reaching 8,848 meters.
• Mauna Kea : On the other hand, Mauna Kea starts from the ocean floor, approximately 6,000 meters below sea level. When you add its submerged portion, the mountain reaches 10,210 meters , higher than Everest.

Although Mauna Kea is less visible due to its submerged base, it is indeed the tallest mountain on Earth when measured from its base to its peak.

The Challenge of Measuring Mauna Kea

Measuring a mountain that starts at the bottom of the ocean is challenging. Because of this, Mount Everest has become the "champion" in terms of height measured from sea level, but the true height of Mauna Kea is not widely recognized. When including the submerged portion of Mauna Kea, it surpasses Everest.

This concept of measuring a mountain from its base at the bottom of the ocean has been debated by geologists and experts for years, but it remains a fact often overlooked in popular culture, where Everest is seen as the ultimate peak.

Mauna Kea: An Active Volcano

Although it is not erupting today, Mauna Kea is an active volcano, with its last eruption occurring around 4,500 years ago . It consists of several layers of lava accumulated during past eruptions and features a massive caldera at its summit, which can be observed by visitors and scientists alike.

The mountain remains geologically active, with signs of seismic and geothermal activity, despite its seemingly calm appearance.

Cultural and Scientific Importance

Beyond its status as the tallest mountain in the world, Mauna Kea holds immense cultural and scientific significance.

1. Cultural : For Native Hawaiians, Mauna Kea is considered a sacred mountain. It is home to several deities in Hawaiian mythology and thus holds deep spiritual meaning.
2. Scientific : The summit of Mauna Kea is home to some of the world's most important observatories. Due to its high elevation, dry climate, and clear air, it is one of the best places on Earth for astronomical observation, allowing scientists to study the universe with remarkable clarity.

(Image: Youtube)

Fun Facts About Mauna Kea

• Snowstorms : Even though Mauna Kea is located in a tropical region, its high altitude means it occasionally receives snow . Weather conditions can vary dramatically, with temperatures falling below freezing at the summit, even during the summer.
• Mountain Sports : Mauna Kea is a destination for adventurers. Besides the observatories, the site attracts tourists who want to engage in mountain sports such as skiing , making it an unusual location for such activities.

Conclusion

While Mount Everest remains the record-holder when it comes to altitude above sea level, Mauna Kea is the true champion when measuring total height from its base at the ocean floor to its summit. Its grandeur is often overshadowed by Everest's fame, but Mauna Kea is a monumental mountain that teaches us an important lesson about perspective and the true scale of nature.

From being an active volcano to hosting an astronomical observatory, Mauna Kea is a natural wonder that continues to surprise us in incredible ways. 🌋