South Summit, Mountain peak in Tibet Autonomous Region and Nepal.
South Summit is a mountain formation in the Himalayan range positioned roughly 130 meters from Mount Everest's main peak and connected by a ridge passage. The elevation reaches approximately 8,749 meters.
The South Summit was first reached in 1953 during a British Everest expedition as climbers approached their attempt on the main peak. This achievement marked a milestone in exploring Earth's highest mountain.
The South Summit serves as a significant waypoint where climbers test their endurance and gather final reserves of strength. The presence of mountaineers at this location represents a symbolic turning point in their ascent.
Climbers at this elevation must carefully monitor weather conditions and available resources such as oxygen, as there is little time for rest. Good planning is essential to decide whether continuing is safe.
Geological surveys discovered fossilized shells in limestone formations nearby, indicating ancient marine environments. This discovery reveals that this location was once submerged beneath an ocean.
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