Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world, is growing taller each year! You might wonder, how could this geological giant, standing at over 29,000 feet, still be increasing in height? Let’s explore the science behind this fascinating phenomenon.
The World’s Tallest Peak
Mount Everest has long been an awe-inspiring challenge for adventurers and climbers. At 29,032 feet, it towers above other Himalayan peaks, like Kangchenjunga and Lhotse. But Everest isn’t done growing—it gains several millimeters in height each year, roughly the width of a strand of spaghetti. This might seem insignificant, but over time, it adds up. In fact, over the past 89,000 years, the mountain has risen by approximately 164 feet.
The Birth of Everest
To understand why Everest continues to grow, we need to look back about 50 million years. This was when the tectonic plate that India rests on collided with the Eurasian plate. The impact was so massive that it caused the crust of the Earth to crumple, giving rise to the mighty Himalayas.
But here’s where it gets interesting. Though the Earth’s crust may seem solid, it’s actually quite dynamic. The weight of the Himalayas pushes the crust downward, but underneath, the mantle—a buoyant layer—pushes the crust back upward. This push-and-pull is like a giant, geological bouncy castle keeping the mountain range rising slowly over time.
A River Changed Everything
However, the real boost to Everest’s growth began 89,000 years ago, when something extraordinary happened. The Arun River, which lies to the east of Mount Everest, changed its course. In doing so, it merged with another river flowing north of Everest, creating a massive waterway. This new, powerful river began eroding vast amounts of sediment from the surrounding land.
The erosion caused a dramatic shift in the topography of the region. As sediment was washed away, it affected the “bouncy castle” beneath Everest, allowing the mountain to rise even more. This process is still ongoing, and scientists predict that Everest will continue to grow taller for millions of years, until eventually, the upward movement will slow and stop.
What Lies Ahead
Everest’s continuous rise is a reminder of how dynamic and ever-changing our planet is. The tectonic activity that formed the Himalayas and continues to shape the Earth’s surface shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. So, while climbing Everest remains one of the most formidable challenges in the world, it’s only getting tougher, quite literally, with each passing year.
In the grand scheme of geological time, Mount Everest will keep growing for millions of years, until the forces pushing it upward diminish. For now, this towering peak continues to inspire awe, adventure, and scientific curiosity.
