Kerala mountaineer stranded on Mount Denali in North America

Denali Mountain –  (Highest Peak in North America)

1. Basic Overview

• Location: Alaska, USA (part of the Alaska Range).

• Height: 6,190 meters (20,310 feet) – Tallest peak in North America.

• Former Name: Mount McKinley (renamed to Denali in 2016, meaning "The High One" in Koyukon Athabascan language).

• First Ascent: 1913 (Hudson Stuck, Harry Karstens, Walter Harper, Robert Tatum).

2. Geological & Climatic Features

• Tectonic Origin: Formed by the collision of the Pacific and North American plates.

• Glacial Presence: Massive glaciers, including Kahiltna Glacier (longest in Alaska).

• Extreme Weather:

  • One of the coldest mountains (temps can drop to -73°C).

  • High winds and sudden storms make climbing hazardous.

3. Ecological Significance

• Denali National Park:

  • Established in 1917, home to grizzly bears, wolves, moose, and caribou.

  • UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

• Permafrost & Tundra: Unique Arctic-Alpine ecosystems.

4. Importance for UPSC Prelims

• Geography:

  • Part of the Pacific Ring of Fire (volcanic & seismic activity).

  • Example of fold mountain formation.