Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain, grows by several millimeters every year. Rising to a height of 8,849 meters above sea level, this natural giant far surpasses its Himalayan neighbors such as K2. A new study reveals why Everest continues to grow and provides an intriguing explanation for this geological phenomenon.
Everest’s unnatural growth
The height difference between the highest peaks in the Himalayas may seem small, but Everest is an exception. For a long time, scientists who study mountain growth did not understand why Everest stands out above other peaks. Their research focused on tectonic and erosional processes that could explain these anomalies. Surprisingly, they discovered that the main factor in the growth of mountains is not only the movement of the Earth’s plates, but also the influence of surrounding rivers.
The key to growth is the river
Studies have shown that the Arun River, which flows east of the mountain and gradually joins the larger Kosi River, has a major influence on Everest’s growth. These river networks erode and transport enormous amounts of material, triggering a process called isotropic rebound. This process allows the crust to “rebound” and rise as pressure at the surface decreases due to loss of material. “Mount Everest is a fascinating geological mystery that continues to grow thanks to this river system,” explained study leader Adam Smith.
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