Mount Everest, Earth’s tallest mountain at 8.85 km above sea level, is still growing. Scientists attribute its growth to a process called isostatic rebound, influenced by the merger of two river systems near the mountain.
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- Everest continues to grow at 0.2-0.5 mm per year.
- The Kosi and Arun rivers merged 89,000 years ago, triggering the uplift.
- This river merger accelerated erosion, reducing surface weight near Everest.
- The isostatic rebound causes the land to rise as surface weight diminishes.
- The process accounts for 10% of Everest’s annual uplift rate.
- Neighboring peaks Lhotse and Makalu are also growing.
- Plate tectonics also contribute to the Himalayas’ growth.
- This ongoing uplift reflects Earth’s dynamic geological processes.
