Mt. Everest is situated in Asia on the border of Nepal and Tibet, in the Himalayan mountain range. Everest is the highest elevation above sea level on Earth with a newly recalculated elevation of 29,035 ft.
According to National Geographic Society, Everest grows about 4 millimeters a year. The two tectonic plates, of Asia and India, which collided millions of years ago to form the Himalayan peaks continue to press against each other, causing a continuous slight increase in height. It is estimated that in a mere 100,000 years, Everest will be 1000 feet higher than it is today.
Mt. Everest is shaped like a gigantic pyramid, thrusting towards the sky. It has three great cliffs, the North Cliff, the East Cliff and the South-west Cliff. These cliffs are embraced by the Northeast Ridge, the Southeast Ridge and the West Ridge. The Southeast Ridge, the route first used to reach the summit, is the only ridge leading to the Lhotse peak.
Over the centuries, glaciers have played an important role in shaping Everest. In fact, one of the most dangerous parts of the southern route, which confronts mountaineers at the very start of their climb, is the Khumbu Icefall, a stretch of ice created by glaciers. In addition to the Khumbu Icefall, Everest has nestled between its ridges and cliffs about 548 continental glaciers.
These continental glaciers cover an area of 1457.07 square kilometers, while mountain glaciers cover 100,000 square kilometers. Located amidst the glaciers, are beautiful seracs. Between the snow covered crevasses, overhanging cliffs and the danger of avalanches, Everest offers unique climbing challenges.
CLIMATE
Due to the variable climate in the Mt. Everest area and the surrounding peaks, it's difficult to predict the weather from one day to the next, not to mention climate conditions in the four seasons of the year. Early June to mid-September is usually the rainy season, with violent southwest monsoons. During this time the Himalayas are considered as "a forbidden zone" due to winds with speeds up to 90 meters per second.
In mid-November through mid-February the temperature averages -40 to -50 degrees C. Taking all of that into consideration, mountain climbing is most advisable from early March to the end of May and from early September to the end of October. That's why Ben Webster's and Nancy Feagin's team will be arriving at Base Camp in early April and making their push for the summit the third week in May.
