New studies show that Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on earth and around the globe, is still growing slowly because of river erosion. Due to geological and hydrological changes, this distinguished mountain has grown between 15 to 50 meters in the last 89,000 years.
The Birth of Everest
The Himalayan Mountains, including Mount Everest, were formed 50 million years ago when the Indian plate moved towards the Eurasian plate and crashed with it. However, evidence points out that a part of the region was already raised before this great tectonic movement happened. These plates are still moving today, and Everest and other mountains are still rising, as evidenced by rock slides that cause the formation of gaps.
The Surprising Part Erosion Plays in Everest’s Height
As of now, Mount Everest stands at 8,849 meters (29,032 feet), however, it is not only tectonic movement that has aided the stylistic semiosis of such an altitude. New scientific studies show that the work of the close rivers, especially the Arun River, has also influenced the growth of the mountain by causing erosion.
By analyzing rock samples gathered in the area, researchers have discovered that due to the high activity of the river that has eroded the ground over tens of thousands of years, the isostatic rebound has occurred which means that the ground crust rises when material is eroded. Thus, the height of Everest increases today from night by as much as 0.16 up to 0.53 millimeters.
Mystery of Everest’s Unusual Height
According to Professor Jingen Dai of China University of Geosciences in Beijing, Everest is somewhat unique, towering around 250 meters higher than its neighboring Himalayan giants. This anomaly led researchers to explore whether there were additional factors responsible for its greater elevation. By studying the effects of river erosion and other geological processes, they’ve shed light on the mystery behind Everest’s rapid rise.
River Capture as a Key Factor in Everest’s Growth
Arun River system was found to have shifted 89,000 years ago and subsequent erosion was found around the region of Everest. This process was called river capture when the upper part of the Arun River joined the lower one and changed the direction of the water stream which forms a deep gorge. This increase in river erosion decreases the crustal mass of the region thus uplifting the surrounding lands. This process is not only specific to Everest but to its neighbors – Lhotse and Makalu – which are also rising at the same rate.
Will Everest Keep Growing?
While Everest continues its slow rise, this uplift won’t go on forever. As Professor Dai noted, the process will eventually reach an equilibrium, and the river systems in the region will stabilize. The current uplift, though notable, is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to understanding the complex forces shaping Everest’s height.
The Perspectives from Outside Experts
Assistant Professor in Neuropsychology and Translation, University of Edinburgh, Mikaël Attal, who was not involved in the study, described the implications of the analyses. Although river capture is not exceptional, he stressed that the paper establishes how nasty erosion can be because vast regions can elevate tens of meters in geologically short terms. Dr. Matthew Fox of University College London, a co-author of the study, identifies other causes, including the tectonic stresses and glacial loss that may have a role to play in the mountain’s continued rising. Dr Elizabeth Dingle of Durham University pointed out that similar captures along the river have probably happened in other regions in the Himalayas thereby postulating that this process may be the cause of elevation of other mountain systems all over the world.
