Chinese Everest expedition scales new heights
- A successful expedition to remeasure the world’s tallest summit is the latest step in China’s growing contribution to science
Literally an attempt to “scale new heights” because of its mission to remeasure Everest, also known as Sagarmatha in Nepal and Qomolangma in Tibet, the eight-member team took some nine hours to reach the top from the base camp. Advanced measuring equipment was installed during the 21/2 hour stay at the windswept summit, according to Xinhua news agency. Researchers will collect, process and analyse data in the coming months.
This is more than just a symbolic venture. The actual height of the world’s tallest mountain has been a subject of debate. China puts it at 8,844.43 metres following a measurement in 2005, discounting the snow cap that made it to 8,848 metres, a figure more widely accepted.
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China sends surveyors to top of Mount Everest in a bid to measure the world’s tallest mountain
Tectonic movement is believed to be pushing the summit higher each year. There has also been a suggestion that it might have shrunk following a major earthquake in 2015. With the coronavirus outbreak on the mainland stabilising and international travelling still being restricted, the lack of adventurers makes it the best time for surveying. The findings will be of great scientific significance.
China has come a long way in scientific quests. Today, the nation is the third to have sent humans into space. But the Mount Everest expedition was not without a hitch, having two surveyors withdraw and been twice delayed because of bad weather and insufficient material supplies, according to state media reports. But the setbacks only spurred endurance and determination to conquer.
From mountaineering to space mission, China’s contribution in science is growing along with its rising international stature and influence. A joint statement last year by China and Nepal, which last did its own survey on Mount Everest in 2017, said the two nations would announce new findings together later. Hopefully, new light will be shed on the world’s summit.
