Mount Everest’s “Hillary Step” Collapse

Mount Everest, the tallest point on the earth at 29,029 feet elevation, is continually changing. Located at the meeting of two tectonic plates, the Indian plate is pushing underneath the Eurasian plate – and in consequence, pushing the mountains upward. Simultaneously, erosion weathers it down slightly.

Some say that the shift in terrain has caused Hillary Step, the outcrop right below Everest’s summit, has collapsed. If so, it would cause the approach to reaching Everest’s summit to change.

Image result for hillary step mount everest
Image courtesy of outsideonline.com

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