GEOGRAPHY THROUGH MAPS

Chimborazo

Chimborazo is a high volcanic massif in Ecuador, close to the equator. Its summit is especially useful for distinguishing two ways of measuring mountain height.

Fast Facts

  • Its elevation is about 6,270 m above sea level in the Smithsonian catalogue.
  • Earth bulges at the equator, so the ground there is farther from the planet’s centre than near the poles.
  • Chimborazo’s summit is commonly identified as the surface point farthest from Earth’s centre.
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Geographical connections

Part of Visualize CSE, an interactive geography atlas for UPSC Civil Services (IAS) preparation.