Study finds Himalayan river may help increase height of Mount Everest

A new study suggests that the Arun River is contributing to the height of Mount Everest. Researchers from University College London found that erosion at the river's base is pushing Everest upwards by 15-50 meters, or about 2 millimeters per year. The study highlights that as the Arun River carves away rock and soil, it reduces pressure on the Earth's crust, allowing it to rise. This process, known as isostatic rebound, is helping Everest and nearby peaks grow faster than they are eroded. While some geologists find the theory plausible, they note uncertainties in the research regarding the exact effects of river erosion and mountain uplift. The study emphasizes the dynamic nature of Earth's surface and the interplay between erosion and geological forces.