Mount Everest, renowned as the tallest mountain in the world, is often referred to as the Third Pole of the Earth. This title highlights its critical role in the global ecosystem, particularly in Asia, where it serves as a significant source of freshwater.
Located in the majestic Himalayan mountain system, Mount Everest is surrounded by numerous glaciers and permanent snowfields. These glaciers are essential, storing an immense amount of freshwater that melts and feeds major rivers. This meltwater supports agriculture, drinking water, and energy requirements for millions, underscoring why this region is termed the Third Pole.
Mount Everest is situated on the border between Nepal and China (Tibet) within the Mahalangur range, a prominent subrange of the Himalayas. Its strategic location makes it a vital source of ice and water for the entire Asian continent.
Standing at an impressive height of 8,848.86 meters above sea level, Mount Everest maintains a snow-covered peak year-round due to its high altitude. Even during summer, snow continues to accumulate on its summit and surrounding heights.
The glaciers near Mount Everest provide essential water resources to significant rivers like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus. These rivers are lifelines for over a billion people, contributing to agriculture, drinking water, and hydroelectric power across South Asia.
The ice and snow of the Himalayas play a crucial role in regulating temperatures and influencing the monsoon system. They are vital in determining weather patterns across vast regions of Asia, illustrating the environmental significance of the Third Pole.
However, Mount Everest and its glaciers are extremely sensitive to climate change. The rising temperatures are causing glaciers to melt at an alarming rate, leading to potential water shortages, glacial lake floods, and long-term ecological impacts.
Q1. Why is Mount Everest called the Third Pole?
Answer: Mount Everest is termed the Third Pole because it holds a significant amount of ice and snow, second only to the North and South Poles, serving as a crucial freshwater source for Asia.
Q2. How do Himalayan glaciers affect the environment?
Answer: Himalayan glaciers are vital for freshwater supply, influencing major rivers that support agriculture and drinking water for millions of people in South Asia.
Q3. What challenges does Mount Everest face due to climate change?
Answer: Climate change leads to accelerated glacier melting on Mount Everest, resulting in potential water shortages and increased risk of flooding from glacial lakes.
Q4. How tall is Mount Everest?
Answer: Mount Everest stands at an altitude of 8,848.86 meters above sea level, making it the tallest mountain in the world.
Q5. What is the significance of glacial meltwater from Mount Everest?
Answer: Glacial meltwater from Mount Everest is critical as it feeds into major rivers like the Ganga and Indus, supporting the livelihoods of over a billion people in Asia.
Question 1: What is Mount Everest often referred to as?
A) The First Pole
B) The Third Pole
C) The Tallest Peak
D) The Great Mountain
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which major rivers are fed by the glaciers near Mount Everest?
A) Nile, Amazon, Mississippi
B) Ganga, Brahmaputra, Indus
C) Yangtze, Mekong, Danube
D) Thames, Seine, Hudson
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: How much does Mount Everest rise each year?
A) A few centimeters
B) A few millimeters
C) A few meters
D) It does not rise
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What is a significant environmental concern regarding Mount Everest?
A) Overcrowding of climbers
B) Climate change and glacier melting
C) Increased tourism
D) Wildlife preservation
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What percentage of the world’s freshwater is stored in glaciers?
A) About 10%
B) About 20%
C) About 70%
D) About 90%
Correct Answer: C
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