Everest Basics
On what continent is Mount Everest?
Asia
What do we call a person who climbs mountains?
A mountaineer
What is the very top of a mountain called?
The summit
What fast-moving mass of snow can rush down a mountain?
An avalanche
You feel dizzy and sick as you climb higher. What may be causing it?
Altitude sickness
What mountain range contains Mount Everest?
The Himalayas
Who were the first climbers confirmed to reach Everest's summit?
Answer: Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay
Why do climbers spend time at different camps before going higher?
To acclimatize, or allow their bodies to adjust to the altitude.
What dangerous condition occurs when the body becomes extremely cold?
Hypothermia
Why would climbers turn around even when they are close to the summit?
Weather, exhaustion, lack of oxygen, illness, or insufficient time can make continuing unsafe.
— Mount Everest lies along the border of which two places?
Nepal and Tibet, China
In what year did Hillary and Tenzing reach the summit?
1953
Why do many climbers carry oxygen near the summit?
The air contains much less available oxygen at high altitude.
What is a crevasse? Answer: A deep crack in a glacier or ice.
A deep crack in a glacier or ice.
Why is reaching the summit only part of a successful climb?
Climbers must still descend safely.
About how high is Mount Everest?
29,032 feet or 8848 meters
Who are the Himalayan people famous for their mountaineering skills and knowledge?
Sherpas
What special equipment helps climbers grip snow and ice? Answer: Crampons and ice axes
Crampons and ice axes
Why can strong winds make Everest especially dangerous?
They increase the cold, reduce visibility, and can make climbing or standing difficult.
Why does teamwork matter on an Everest expedition?
Climbers depend on one another for safety, supplies, navigation, communication, and assistance.
Why is Mount Everest still changing in height?
The tectonic plates that formed the Himalayas continue to move.
Why are Sherpas so important to many Everest expeditions?
They guide climbers, carry equipment and supplies, establish routes/camps, and use their extensive knowledge of the mountain.
Why can't climbers simply hike from Base Camp directly to the summit?
Their bodies need time to adjust, and the route is difficult and dangerous.
What is the "Death Zone"?
The area above about 8,000 meters (26,000 feet), where there is too little oxygen for the human body to survive for long.
Which is more important: reaching the summit or knowing when to turn back? Defend your answer using evidence from the book.
Accept well-supported responses; safety and knowing when to turn back should be emphasized.