Scientists Discover River's Role in Everest's Height Changes
- Research indicates that Mount Everest is growing due to erosion from the Arun River, which is 75km away.
- The merging of the Arun and Kosi rivers has increased the erosive power, leading to significant geological changes.
- This study enhances our understanding of the processes driving the growth of Everest and its neighboring peaks.
Mount Everest, located in Nepal, is experiencing a gradual increase in height, growing approximately 2mm annually. Recent research from University College London has revealed that erosion from a river system about 75km away is contributing to this phenomenon. The Arun River, which merges with the Kosi River, has carved a substantial gorge over thousands of years, leading to a loss of material from the Earth's crust. This loss allows the crust to 'float' upwards due to pressure from the mantle below, resulting in uplift. The study indicates that this process has accelerated since the merging of the rivers, which has enhanced the erosive power of the Kosi River. As a result, the peak of Everest has risen significantly over geological timeframes, with estimates suggesting it has grown between 15 and 50 meters in the last 89,000 years. The findings also suggest that neighboring peaks, such as Lhotse and Makalu, are similarly affected by this geological activity. The research, published in the journal Nature Geoscience, provides a clearer understanding of the factors driving the mountain's growth and highlights the complex interplay between erosion and uplift in shaping the Himalayas.