Mount Everest is experiencing an unexpected growth spurt, thanks to a fascinating reason uncovered by research. The iconic peak is believed to be 15 to 50 meters taller than it would have been, all thanks to the nearby river that is exerting an upward force on the mountain. This phenomenon is attributed to the river cutting into the landscape around Mount Everest, causing the peak to rise higher. Over the past 89,000 years, erosion from a river network located about 75 kilometers away has led to the mountain’s height increase by approximately 15 to 50 meters.
According to the co-authors of the study, this ongoing geological process is causing Mount Everest to continuously ascend. PhD student Adam Smith from UCL Earth Sciences described Mount Everest as a mountain of myth and legend that is still growing. Lead author Dr. Xu Han from China University of Geosciences highlighted that the changing height of Mount Everest showcases the dynamic nature of the Earth’s surface. The interaction between the erosion from the river and the Earth’s mantle’s upward pressure is what drives the mountain’s growth.
Standing at 8,849 meters, Mount Everest is regarded as the tallest mountain globally, and its unique growth pattern sets it apart from its neighboring peaks in the Himalayas. The uplift phenomenon is not exclusive to Mount Everest but also affects adjacent peaks like Lhotse and Makalu. The study, published in the Nature Geoscience journal, delved into the erosion rates of rivers like the Arun and the Kosi in the region to understand the forces driving the mountain’s growth.
The researchers highlighted that the Arun river, which now runs to the east of Mount Everest, has over time carved out a substantial gorge, leading to increased erosion and subsequent uplift of the towering peaks. Dr. Jin-Gen Dai from UCL Earth Sciences explained the unique topography of the area and how it relates to the extreme height of Mount Everest and its neighboring peaks. Dr. Matthew Fox, also from UCL Earth Sciences, emphasized that GPS instruments have enabled scientists to observe the mountains growing at a pace of about two millimeters per year, providing valuable insights into this natural process.
The remarkable findings shed light on the intricate dynamics at play in shaping Earth’s surface and the intriguing relationship between geological forces and the majestic heights of Mount Everest and its neighboring peaks. As Mount Everest continues to rise, researchers continue to unravel the geological mysteries that contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of our planet.