The Seven Summits are the ultimate mountaineering challenge. They're also amazing studies in earth science. This cross-curricular series for age 12 and up takes readers to the tallest mountain peaks on each continent and surveys size and composition, exploration history, training and equipment for climbers, and cultural connections. Profiles of real people with ties to each featured peak are also included. On the continent of Europe, Mount Elbrus is the top of the world. It's the tallest peak in Russia's Caucasus Mountains and one of Earth's ultimate mountaineering challenges: the Seven Summits. For kids age 12 and up, this science and social studies guide takes readers to the extinct volcano's slopes and examines its geology, plant and animal life, and the climbers and cultures throughout history who've attempted its summit or lived in its shadow. Special climbing equipment and routes are defined for future adventurers.

Includes a glossary, sidebars, and profiles of notable climbers.