Heights of Himalayan Snow-peaks

Abstract

Judged by modem standards, the heights of the Himalayan snow peaks , have been determined very unsatisfactorily. In particular, the value 29,002 It for the height of Mount Everest has endured for over a century and there is little realization at the present day of the extent to which it is wrong. The difference of 104 ft in the accepted heights of K², and Kanckenjunga is less than, the probable error in the determination of their height and it is by no meitris certain that Ea rightly enjoys the pride of place all being the second highest peak in the world.

An attempt has been made in this paper to present in non-technical language the outstanding difficulties in the way of height determination of lofty peaks, some of the data needed for the purpose are still lacking and entail the sending of Geodetic Expeditions to the Himalayan regions. It is pointed out that accurate determination of the heights of snow peaks is only possible by taking new scientifically planned observations from triangulation stations establish  close to three peaks.