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