Growing Everest:
Using global positioning system (GPS) measurements from various locations
and conventional surveying methods, researchers have estimated that Everest
is rising an average of 1 or 2 inches per year. Everest is the tallest
peak among the Himalayan mountains, pushed up by the collision of the Great
Indian Continental plate with that of Asia. The estimated height
of Everest is 29,028 feet. This is not accurate because of the limits
of traditional methods used and the rocky peak is covered by snow-cap of
unknown height which varies with time over the year. Wally Berg
from Copper Mountain, Colorado, successfully planted a GPS receiver within
about 60 ft. of Everest summit, recently. The new data recorded near
the summit would be the most accurate because Berg activated the GPS receiver
at a rocky outcrop not covered by snow and further the data are cross checked
against GPS readings at nearby lower elevations.
Sreenivasarao Veapchedu, 07/08/98
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