Scientists Identify Cause of Mount Everest's Height Increase

Recent research has revealed that the towering height of Mount Everest, currently standing at 8,849 meters, may be partially attributed to a phenomenon known as 'river piracy.' The Arun River, which flows near Everest, has significantly eroded the surrounding landscape, allowing the Earth's crust to rise in a process called isostatic rebound. This erosion has resulted in an increase in Everest's height by approximately 15 to 50 meters over the last 89,000 years, as the loss of material allows the crust to float upwards. The study, published in Nature Geoscience, suggests that this unique geological interaction is responsible for Everest's anomalously high elevation compared to neighboring peaks, which are only about 120 meters apart. Scientists have observed that Everest continues to rise at a rate of about 2 millimeters per year due to these processes, underscoring the dynamic nature of the Earth's surface. The findings contribute to our understanding of mountain formation and the interplay between geological forces and river systems.