Ultra-prominent peak facts for kids
An ultra-prominent peak, often just called an Ultra, is a very special kind of mountain summit. What makes it special is its "topographic prominence." This means how much higher it rises above the lowest point connecting it to any taller peak. For a mountain to be an Ultra, it needs to rise at least 1,500 meters (about 4,921 feet) from that low point. People sometimes call them P1500 peaks.
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What Makes a Mountain an Ultra Peak?
Imagine a mountain. Its height above sea level is one thing, but its "prominence" is different. Prominence measures how much a peak stands out from the land around it. Think of it like this: if you pour water into a valley until the mountain becomes an island, the prominence is how high the mountain rises above the water's surface at that point.
Understanding Topographic Prominence
Topographic prominence is a way to measure how independent a mountain peak is. It's not just about how tall a mountain is from sea level. It's about how much it rises above the lowest point that connects it to any higher mountain. This lowest point is called a "key col" or "saddle."
For example, a mountain might be very tall, but if it's just a small bump on a huge, high plateau, its prominence would be low. But if a mountain rises sharply from a deep valley, even if its total height isn't the highest, its prominence would be very high.
Why Are Ultras So Special?
Ultras are often very impressive mountains. Because they rise so much from their surroundings, they usually offer amazing views. They are often isolated, meaning they stand alone and are not part of a long ridge of other high peaks. This makes them challenging and rewarding for climbers.
There are only about 1,524 Ultra-prominent peaks known around the world. This makes them quite rare and unique. Many of the world's most famous and highest mountains are also Ultras, like Mount Everest and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Exploring Lists of Ultra Peaks
Scientists and mountain enthusiasts keep track of all the known Ultra peaks. These lists help us understand the geography of our planet and identify significant mountains. You can find lists of Ultras for different regions, like:
- Ultras in Canada
- Ultras in Mexico
- Ultras in the United States
Related Mountain Topics
If you're interested in Ultra peaks, you might also like to learn about:
Images for kids
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The summit of Mount Logan in the Yukon, the highest point in Canada, is ranked sixth in the world by topographic prominence.
See also
In Spanish: Pico ultraprominente para niños
