16. Qomolangma is the world's highest mountain. You may learn from a book that it's 8, 844 meters high.
(1)
Different experts give different results. Also the height of the mountain becomes different over time. That was why a Chinese group tried to reach the top of Qomolangma to re-measure (重新测量) its height months ago. Though they made good plans, it was not easy work.
It's so cold on the mountain. (2)
Because of that, drones (无人机) cannot work at the top of the mountain. That's why it's necessary for experts to reach the top to get the specific (精确的) result.
(3)
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In fact, measuring the height of Qomolangma is more than just getting one right number. Qomolangma was born when the Eurasian plate (板块) met the Indian plate. (4)
Changes in its height can show if the two plates are moving towards or away from each other. This can help us learn about the moving of Earth's crust (地壳).
The group of experts could also get first-hand information about environmental conditions (情况) at the top of the mountain. It will help us learn how they make a difference to the Qinghai — Tibet Plateau (高原).
A. And what is the best way to measure the height of the mountain? B. It appeared millions of years ago as the two plates moved towards each other. C. What's worse, high winds blow all the time. D. But is a difference of a few meters really important? E. However, not all people think so. |