The Tallest Mountain on Earth

What makes Mauna Kea potentially the tallest mountain on Earth, despite Mount Everest being the highest mountain above sea level? Mauna Kea is considered the tallest mountain on Earth when measured from base to peak, including its submerged base in the Pacific Ocean, even though Mount Everest has the highest altitude above sea level.

Mauna Kea and Mount Everest: A Comparison

Mauna Kea is an inactive volcano located in Hawaii, standing at about 14,000 feet above sea level. On the other hand, Mount Everest in the Himalayas is known as the highest mountain above sea level, rising about 29,000 feet high.

What Makes Mauna Kea the Tallest Mountain?

While Mount Everest boasts the highest altitude above sea level on Earth, Mauna Kea could be considered the tallest when measured from base to peak. The key factor that makes Mauna Kea potentially taller than Mount Everest is its submerged base in the Pacific Ocean. Mauna Kea extends about 19,000 feet below the ocean's surface, adding to its total height.

Understanding Total Height vs. Altitude Above Sea Level

The concept of a mountain's height can vary depending on whether you measure from sea level or from base to peak. In the case of Mauna Kea, its total height from base to peak is over 33,000 feet, which surpasses Mount Everest's height. This distinction is crucial in determining which mountain holds the title of the tallest.

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