Summary
All mountains on Earth have an elevation limit of approximately 10,000 meters. This is due to a combination of geological, gravitational, and erosion-related factors.
Geological Factors
The Earth's crust is composed of tectonic plates that move and interact with each other. When plates collide, they can cause the formation of mountains. However, the crust's rigidity and strength limit the height these mountains can reach.
Gravitational Factors
As mountains grow taller, they become more massive and subject to the increasing force of gravity. Eventually, the weight of the mountain becomes too great for the crust to support, causing it to collapse.
Erosion Factors
Rivers and other erosive forces can carve out valleys and slopes at the base of mountains. Over time, this erosion can weaken the mountain's structure and limit its growth.
Additional Factors
The competition for space and elevation between adjacent mountains can also prevent them from exceeding a certain height. Additionally, the Earth's atmosphere exerts pressure on mountain peaks, which can contribute to their erosion and stability.
Other Candidates for "World's Tallest Mountain"
While Mount Everest is generally recognized as the world's tallest mountain above sea level, other candidates exist. Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano in Hawaii, holds the record for the tallest mountain measured from base to peak, including its submerged portion beneath the Pacific Ocean. However, its summit elevation above sea level is lower than Everest's.