Summer of Adventure – Mountains Facts
What is it about these massive dirt lumps that captivates us? Here's 10 of the most enthralling mountain facts ever collected on the internet!
Whether they have been scaled by famous mountaineers, belched burning ash over nearby cities, or accommodated the Gods of Ancient Greece, these lofty peaks that tower above us have inspired humankind for generations, providing the perfect challenging ascent for our Summer of Adventure. Did you know any of these Mountain Facts?
When asked why he felt compelled to climb the highest mountain in the world, famous mountaineer George Mallory replied with three simple words "Because it's there." We haven't got a problem with that really, just if he was a little bit more Beano, he would have replied "Because its Fun!" So remember, if you're going on an adventure this summer - even if you're not climbing a mountain - make sure you have some serious FUN!
1. The World's highest mountain is Mount Everest in the Himalayas.
Mount Everest was first scaled by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary, making them the most famous mountain climbers to have ever existed!
2. Mountains are formed by SERIOUSLY EPIC movements of the earth's crust
Sometimes the crust has folded and buckled, sometimes it breaks into huge blocks. In both cases, great areas of land are lifted upwards to form mountains. Other mountains are formed by the earth's crust rising into a dome, or by volcanic activity when the crust cracks open.
3. Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in Great Britain
Apparently, in Gaelic, the name Ben Nevis roughly translates to Malicious Mountain, so called because of it's dangerously changeable weather!
4. There are mountains under the sea
Some islands are actually the peaks of huge, underwater mountains.
5. The highest 14 mountains in the world are all found in the Himalayas in Asia
The Sherpa people of Eastern Tibet are considered the world's best Mountain Climbers.
6. The Highest Mountain in Africa is Mount Kilamanjiro
This epic Tanzanian mountain's highest peak is actually a dormant volcano!
7. The highest peak in South America is Aconcagua
This Argentinian "Sentinel of Stone" is the king of the Andes Mountain Range and the highest peak outside of Asia!
8. Denali has the highest elevation in North America
Former US President Barack Obama, officially renamed the USA's tallest mountain from Mount McKinley to Denali, its name in the indigenous Athabascan language!
9. The largest volcano on Mars is also the solar system's tallest mountain. It's called Olympus Mons
It is named after Mount Olympus in Greece, once believed to be the home of the Ancient Greek Gods
10. Mount Elbrus is the tallest peak in Europe.
During the second world war it was scaled by German soldiers who planted a Nazi Flag at the summit. The flag was later removed by Russian mountaineers.
