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Summit (topography)

In topography, a summit is a point on a surface which is higher in elevation than all points immediately adjacent to it. Mathematically speaking, a summit is a local maximum in elevation.

The term "summit" is generally only used for a mountain peak with some significant amount of topographic prominence or topographic isolation (distance from the nearest point of higher elevation); for example, a boulder next to the main summit of a mountain is not considered a summit. Summits near a higher peak, with some prominence or isolation, but not reaching a certain cutoff value for these quantities, are often considered subsummits (or subpeaks) of the higher peak, and are considered as part of the same mountain.

A pyramidal peak is an exaggerated form produced by ice erosion of a mountain top.

See also

• Pyramidal peak
• Hill
• Maxima and minima