Is Mount Everest Really the Tallest Mountain?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Is Mount Everest really the tallest mountain?

The Big Idea

It depends on how you measure! Mount Everest has the highest peak above sea level, but two other mountains win in different ways. Mauna Kea is tallest from base to top, and Chimborazo's top is farthest from Earth's center.

Above Sea Level

Step one: measure from sea level. Everest's peak is about 29,000 feet above the sea, higher than any other mountain on land. This is the usual way to measure a mountain.

Base to Top

Step two: measure from the base. Mauna Kea in Hawaii starts on the sea floor and is about 33,500 feet tall from base to top. But most of it is hidden under the water.

From Earth's Center

Step three: measure from Earth's center. Chimborazo in Ecuador sits on the bulge of the equator. That makes its top the farthest point on Earth from the center of the planet.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Earth is not a perfect ball, because it bulges a little. The bulge is widest around the equator. Chimborazo sits right on that bulge. So its top is farthest from the center, even though Everest is higher above the sea.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Everest is the highest above sea level. Mauna Kea is about 33,500 feet from base to top, but most of it is under water. Earth bulges at the equator, which gives Chimborazo its record. So the champion depends on the question you ask!

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Pick up a ball of play dough. Squash it a little to make a bulge. Where would a mountain be farthest from the center? Share what you discover with a grown-up.

Outro

Everest, Mauna Kea, and Chimborazo are all champions in their own way. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!