Everest Ice: A Majestic and Perilous Force

Discovery and Location

In 1852, the British surveyor Andrew Waugh named Mount Everest after Sir George Everest, the former Surveyor General of India. The mountain is located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas. Its summit lies on the border between Nepal and Tibet, at an elevation of 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) above sea level.

The Ice Blanket

Everests icy summit is a vast and unforgiving expanse of frozen water. The ice varies in thickness, from a few centimeters to several meters, and is composed of layers of snow that have been compressed and recrystallized over time. The ice is a testament to the extreme cold and harsh conditions that characterize the mountains upper reaches.

According to a 2019 study published in the journal "Nature", the ice on Everests summit has been melting at an accelerated rate due to climate change. The study found that the average annual ice loss between 2000 and 2015 was about 8.4 gigatons per year, which is equivalent to the volume of approximately 3.3 million Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Hazards of the Ice

The ice on Everest poses significant hazards to climbers. The ice can be unstable and prone to avalanches, which can wipe out entire teams in an instant. The ice can also hide crevasses, which are deep cracks in the ice that can be fatal if a climber falls into them. In 2014, an avalanche on Everests south side killed 16 Sherpas. The avalanche was triggered by a serac, a large block of ice that broke off from the Khumbu Glacier. The serac fell onto the climbers as they were crossing the Khumbu Icefall, a treacherous section of the mountain that is known for its avalanches.

Climbing through the Ice

Climbers must navigate through the ice in order to reach the summit of Everest. This requires technical skill and experience, as well as the ability to withstand the cold and altitude. Climbers typically use crampons and ice axes to ascend the ice, and they often rope themselves together for safety. In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first people to reach the summit of Everest. Their ascent was a major milestone in mountaineering history, and it inspired countless others to attempt the climb.

The Icefall Doctors

The Khumbu Icefall is one of the most dangerous sections of the climb to Everest. The icefall is constantly moving and changing, and it is prone to avalanches. A team of Sherpas known as the "icefall doctors" works to maintain a safe route through the icefall for climbers. The icefall doctors use ropes, ladders, and ice screws to create a path that climbers can follow. In 2016, an earthquake in Nepal triggered an avalanche on the Khumbu Icefall. The avalanche killed 19 climbers and injured dozens more. The icefall doctors were able to rescue several climbers who were trapped in the icefall, and they have since rebuilt the route to the summit.

The Summit

The summit of Everest is a small, flat area that is covered in ice and snow. The summit is often shrouded in clouds, and the wind can be fierce. Climbers who reach the summit typically spend only a few minutes there before descending due to the altitude and the cold. In 2019, a record 807 people reached the summit of Everest. The vast majority of climbers ascend the mountain via the south side, which is considered to be the easier route. However, the north side of the mountain is more challenging, and it is often climbed by experienced mountaineers.

The Death Zone

The "death zone" is the region of Everest above 8,000 meters (26,247 feet). The air in the death zone is so thin that it is difficult to breathe, and the cold is extreme. Climbers who spend too much time in the death zone can suffer from altitude sickness, which can lead to death. In 2018, a Polish climber named Andrzej Bargiel set a new record for the fastest ascent of Everest without supplemental oxygen. Bargiel climbed the mountain in just 16 hours and 42 minutes, and he descended in 6 hours and 14 minutes. Bargiels ascent was a remarkable feat of human endurance, and it showed that it is possible to climb Everest without using supplemental oxygen.

Climate Change and the Future of Everest

Climate change is having a significant impact on Everest. The glaciers on the mountain are melting at an accelerated rate, and the snow line is rising. This is making the climb to the summit more challenging and dangerous. In 2021, a team of scientists from the University of Exeter published a study that found that the glaciers on Everest could lose up to 90% of their mass by the end of the century. This would have a devastating impact on the mountains ecosystem and would make it much more difficult to climb.

Preserving the Ice

The ice on Everest is a precious resource that is threatened by climate change. It is important to take steps to preserve the ice and ensure that it continues to be a source of wonder and inspiration for generations to come. One way to preserve the ice is to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. This will help to slow the rate of climate change and protect the glaciers on Everest. Another way to preserve the ice is to support organizations that are working to clean up the mountain. Climbers often leave behind trash and debris, which can pollute the ice and harm the environment.

Conclusion

The ice on Everest is a powerful reminder of the beauty and fragility of our planet. It is a symbol of the challenges that we face as a species, and it is a reminder of the importance of taking action to protect our environment. The ice on Everest is also a source of inspiration. It shows us what humans are capable of when we work together and never give up. It is a reminder that even the most difficult challenges can be overcome with determination and perseverance. By preserving the ice on Everest, we can ensure that it continues to inspire and amaze us for generations to come.