Summit
A summit is a point on a surface that is higher in elevation than all points immediately adjacent to it. The topographic terms acme, apex, peak (mountain peak), and zenith are synonymous.
![](../I/m/Iv%C3%A1n_Ernesto_G%C3%B3mez_Carrasco_en_la_cima_del_Monte_Everest.jpg)
![](../I/m/Monte_Rosa_summit.jpg)
The term top (mountain top) is generally used only for a mountain peak that is located at some distance from the nearest point of higher elevation. For example, a big massive rock then to the main summit of a mountain is not considered a summit. Summits near a higher peak, with some prominence or isolation, but not reaching a certain cutoff value for the quantities, are often considered subsummits (or subpeaks) of the higher peak, and are considered part of the same mountain. A pyramidal peak is an exaggerated form produced by ice erosion of a mountain top. Summit may also refer to the highest point along a line, trail, or route.
The highest summit in the world is Mount Everest with a height of 8844.43 m above sea level (29,029 ft). The first official ascent was made by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary. They reached the mountain's peak in 1953.[1][2]
Whether a highest point is classified as a summit, a sub peak or a separate mountain is subjective. The UIAA definition of a peak is that it has a prominence of 30 metres (98 ft) or more; it is a mountain summit if it has a prominence of at least 300 metres (980 ft). Otherwise, it's a subpeak.
![](../I/m/SiskiyouSummit.jpg)
In many parts of the western United States, the term summit can also be used for the highest point along a road, highway, or railroad, more commonly referred to as a pass. For example, the highest point along Interstate 80 in California is referred to as Donner Summit and the highest point on Interstate 5 is Siskiyou Mountain Summit. This can lead to confusion as to whether a labeled "summit" is a pass or a peak.
Gallery
![]() The summit of Mount Damavand, Iran |
![]() Doso Doyabi, one of the highest peaks entirely within Nevada, United States |
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See also
- Geoid – Shape that the ocean surface would take under the influence of the gravity and rotation of Earth alone
- Hill – Landform that extends above the surrounding terrain
- Nadir (topography)
- Summit accordance
References
- Lyons, Kate (2017-05-21). "Mount Everest's Hillary Step has collapsed, mountaineer confirms". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2017-12-10.
- "Everest". National Geographic. Retrieved 2017-12-10.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Summits. |