Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on Earth, is located in the Himalayas, straddling the border between China and Nepal. Recent research conducted by scientists from the University of Geosciences in China and University College London has uncovered that Everest is still increasing in height, a revelation that could alter its historical narrative.
The study examined the formation mechanisms of Everest alongside nearby peaks, including K2, which is approximately 250 meters shorter than its famous neighbor. The researchers aimed to understand how much Everest is growing and the reasons behind this natural phenomenon. Earth”s geology is constantly evolving, indicating that its current appearance may change drastically over thousands or millions of years.
According to the researchers, the continuous flow of water from the nearby Arun River has been eroding the landscape, which leads to a loss of mass in that region. Consequently, despite this erosion, the mountain itself experiences growth. On average, Everest rises by about 2 millimeters each year, as detailed in the journal Nature Geosciences.
“Mount Everest is an extraordinary mountain steeped in myths and legends, and it continues to grow. Our research indicates that as the nearby river system deepens, it contributes to the mountain”s elevation,” stated Adam Smith from University College London and a co-author of the study. The phenomenon of isostatic rebound, where land rises due to the removal of weight, allows Everest to ascend faster than it is worn down by erosion.
“We can now observe its growth of approximately 2 millimeters annually using GPS instruments, and we have gained a better understanding of the forces driving this increase,” added Matthew Fox, another team member. The interplay between the erosion caused by the Arun River and the upward pressure from the Earth”s mantle is providing a significant boost to Mount Everest, concluded Xu Han, the lead researcher on this project.
