The world’s highest mountains
by Google Earth Blog on Feb.10, 2010, under 3D Models, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, California, Denmark, England, Germany, Google Earth News, Google Earth Tips, Google Sky, Google maps, Hawaii, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Natural Landmarks, Netherlands, Sightseeing, Street Views, USA
Google Sightseeing has an interesting article about Mount Chimborazo in Ecuador, and how it can make a claim to being the world's highest mountain. While it's not further above sea level than Mount Everest, it's actually further from the center of the earth (and closer to the moon) than Everest because of the equatorial bulge.
Of course, mountains are always measured relative to sea level, so this doesn't really count. However, it gives us a good excuse to check out some of the largest mountains on the planet, all of which look stunning in Google Earth. Here's the five largest mountains, as measured by distance above sea level:
1. Mount Everest - 8,848 meters - KML
2. K2 - 8,611 meters - KML
3. Kangchenjunga - 8,586 meters - KML
4. Lhotse - 8,516 meters - KML
5. Makalu - 8,485 meters - KML
And even though it's not in the official top 5 list, we should also show off Mount Chimborazo, the "tallest" mountain in the world (KML)
If you enjoy checking out the mountains in Google Earth, here are a few more resources you'll find useful:
• Google Earth Cool Places: Mountains and Volcanoes
• Google Sightseeing: Natural Landmarks
• Google Earth Hacks: Mountains, Volcanoes
Are there any particularly awesome mountains in Google Earth that you're fond of? Let us know in the comments.