From the archive record
Dangerously crevassed glacier, Khumbu icefall, Mt. Everest. Climbers cross a crevasse by crossing a series of joined ladders, while being roped up in case of a fall. The ice is bluish in colour, reflecting the ancient nature of the oxygen trapped inside. Located in the Himalayas Mount Everest is the world's highest mountain above sea level at 8,848 metres (29,029 ft). At the higher regions of Mount Everest, climbers seeking the summit typically spend substantial time within the "death zone" (altitudes higher than 8,000 m/26,246 ft), and face significant challenges to survival. Temperatures can dip to very low levels, resulting in frostbite of any body part exposed to the air. Since temperatures are so low, snow is well-frozen in certain areas and death or injury by slipping and falling ca