Question

What are the characteristics of the environment on Mount Everest?

Answer 1

The summit of Everest is covered by rock-hard snow surmounted by a layer of softer snow. The depth of this softer layer varies annually by some 5–20 feet (1.5–6 meters). The snow level is highest in September, after the monsoon, and lowest in May, after having been depleted by strong winter winds.

Answer 2

The summit reaches some 5.5 miles (8.8 kilometers) above sea level to heights where oxygen is thin. The lack of oxygen, powerful winds, and extremely cold temperatures prevent any animal or plant life from inhabiting the upper slopes.