Study finds river erosion is making Mount Everest taller
phys.org —
A new study reveals that Mount Everest is currently 15 to 50 meters taller due to uplift from a nearby eroding river gorge. This uplift is ongoing, with the mountain rising about 2 millimeters each year. The research indicates that erosion from the Arun River, which merged with the Kosi River network 89,000 years ago, has significantly contributed to this height increase. The loss of landmass allows the mountain to rise as the Earth's crust adjusts. This uplift also affects neighboring peaks like Lhotse and Makalu, which are experiencing similar growth. The study highlights the dynamic nature of Earth's surface and the interplay between erosion and geological forces.