What mountain is higher than Everest?

Mauna Kea: The True Mountain Monarch

In the realm of mountains, Mount Everest has long reigned as the undisputed champion, its towering peak piercing the heavens at an altitude of 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) above sea level. However, there exists another colossal behemoth that surpasses Everest in sheer height: Mauna Kea, the enigmatic giant of the Hawaiian archipelago.

While Everest’s summit is undoubtedly the highest point on Earth’s surface, Mauna Kea’s true grandeur lies in its hidden depths. This massive volcano’s submerged base extends thousands of meters below sea level, making it the tallest mountain from its foundation to summit.

Measured from its base on the ocean floor to its peak, Mauna Kea rises to a staggering height of approximately 10,200 meters (33,500 feet), far exceeding the 8,848 meters of Everest. However, only about 4,200 meters of Mauna Kea’s height protrude above sea level, giving Everest the appearance of a higher mountain.

The true scale of Mauna Kea is largely concealed beneath the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Its massive bulk descends gently towards the seafloor, forming a vast underwater ridge that stretches for hundreds of kilometers. This submerged portion of the volcano is responsible for Mauna Kea’s immense elevation.

The reason for Mauna Kea’s unusual height lies in its unique geological formation. It is a shield volcano, a type of volcano formed by the eruption of highly fluid lava. This lava flows smoothly and covers vast areas, creating a broad, dome-shaped structure. Mauna Kea’s countless eruptions over millions of years have built up a colossal mass that extends far below the ocean’s surface.

While Everest stands as the highest mountain above sea level, Mauna Kea’s towering presence from base to summit establishes it as the true mountain monarch. Its immense size and hidden depths serve as a testament to the astounding scale and diversity of Earth’s geological wonders.