The Unfolding Secrets of Earth's Tallest Peaks: Mauna Kea vs. Mount Everest
Neil deGrasse Tyson's statement reflects a common perspective on mountain height, often equating it with elevation above sea level. While Mount Everest stands at approximately 8,848 meters (29,029 feet), it is not the tallest mountain in absolute terms. When considering the total height from base to summit, including the underground portion, Mauna Kea in Hawaii stands at an impressive 10,211 meters (33,500 feet).
The Formation and Measurement of Mountains
The maximum height a mountain can achieve on Earth is influenced by several key factors:
Tectonic Activity
Mountains are formed by tectonic forces, and the processes that create them, such as plate collisions, can only push land upward to a certain extent. The Himalayan range, where Mount Everest resides, is a prime example of this. However, with continued tectonic activity, mountains can still grow higher.
Erosion
Over time, erosion can wear down these peaks. Erosion plays a crucial role in balancing the forces of tectonic uplift and determining the ultimate height a mountain can attain. Only when the processes of uplift and erosion are in relative equilibrium does a mountain reach its peak height.
Material Strength
The composition of the mountain and the geological materials involved also limit how high a mountain can grow. For example, granite can support more weight than softer materials like sandstone. This means that some rocks and minerals are better suited for sustaining higher elevations.
Gravity
As mountains grow taller, they experience increased gravitational forces, which can lead to instability and even collapse if they exceed certain heights. This is a critical factor in determining the maximum height a mountain can reach.
The Comparison: Mauna Kea vs. Mount Everest
While Everest is the tallest mountain above sea level, Mauna Kea, located in Hawaii, demonstrates that when considering the total height from base to summit, mountains can exceed Everest's height by a significant margin. This stark difference highlights the importance of measuring mountains from their underwater base to their peak.
The height of anything is in reference to a datum, and sea level works fine for most things. The theoretical sea level is called the geoid. Everest is higher above the geoid than Mauna Kea, which is entirely above sea level but extends far below it underwater.
Conclusion: The Tallest Peaks on Earth
In theory, mountains could grow taller than Everest or Mauna Kea. However, practical limits due to the factors mentioned mean that extremely tall mountains over 10,000 meters are unlikely to form. According to current geological understanding, the tallest mountains might reach around 10,000 to 12,000 meters under ideal conditions, but such heights would be rare.
Thus, while Everest remains the tallest mountain above sea level, Mauna Kea shows that when considering the total height from base to summit, mountains can indeed exceed Everest's height by a significant margin. The formation and measurement of these peaks are a fascinating blend of geology and geography, illustrating the dynamic nature of our planet's surface.