Scientists discover surprising reason why Mount Everest is still growing

Mount Everest's iconic peak isn't just shaped by tectonic forces—it owes part of its continued rise to a surprising geological partner: a nearby river system.

A study published in Nature Geoscience uncovers how the interplay between Mount Everest and the erosion caused by rivers has contributed to the mountain’s growth over the past 89,000 years.

Researchers from University College London (UCL) and the China University of Geosciences identified that isostatic rebound—a phenomenon where land rises after material is removed—has added as much as 50 meters (164 feet) to Everest's height during this time.

Key to this process are the Arun and Kosi river systems, which have carved vast gorges into the terrain near Everest. By eroding and carrying away billions of tonnes of earth, these rivers lighten the load on the Earth's crust. This reduction in weight sets off the isostatic rebound effect, allowing the crust to rise and pushing Everest's peak higher into the sky.

Co-author Adam Smith from UCL Earth Sciences remarked, “Mount Everest is a remarkable mountain of myth and legend, and it’s still growing. Our research shows that as the nearby river system cuts deeper, the loss of material is causing the mountain to spring further upwards.”

Mount Everest, known as Sagarmāthā in Nepali and Chomolungma in Tibetan, stands at 8,849 meters (29,032 feet) and is Earth's highest peak. Its height stands out among the other towering giants of the Himalayas, surpassing nearby peaks like K2, Kangchenjunga, and Lhotse.

Everest’s exceptional elevation is partly due to this uplifting effect driven by river erosion, which scientists have estimated contributes approximately 15 to 50 meters to its height. The increase, though small annually—around two millimeters a year—has made a substantial difference over thousands of years.

The key to understanding this uplift lies in the concept of isostatic rebound, a geological process where the Earth’s crust rises in response to the removal of surface weight. Dr. Matthew Fox, another co-author from UCL Earth Sciences, explained that Everest and its neighboring peaks are rising faster than they are eroding. He stated, “We can see them growing by about two millimeters a year using GPS instruments, and now we have a better understanding of what’s driving it.”

The Arun river, which flows east of Everest, has long been shaping the landscape through its erosion. About 89,000 years ago, it merged with the Kosi river system in a process called drainage piracy. This merger amplified the river’s erosive power, further deepening the gorge and eroding more material.

With less weight pushing down on the crust, the uplift rate of Everest and nearby peaks increased. Lead author Dr. Xu Han of the China University of Geosciences explained, “The changing height of Mount Everest really highlights the dynamic nature of the Earth’s surface. The interaction between the erosion of the Arun river and the upward pressure of the Earth’s mantle gives Mount Everest a boost, pushing it up higher than it would otherwise be.”

The uplift phenomenon isn’t limited to Mount Everest alone. Neighboring peaks, including Lhotse and Makalu—respectively the fourth and fifth highest mountains in the world—are also being affected by the same forces. Makalu, being closer to the Arun river, experiences a slightly higher uplift rate compared to Everest and Lhotse.

Dr. Jin-Gen Dai of the China University of Geosciences noted the uniqueness of the regional river system, describing how the Arun flows at high altitude before joining the Kosi river, which descends steeply. This topographical feature, indicative of an unsteady state, likely plays a key role in the height difference between Everest and the other peaks.

The study’s findings highlight the ongoing growth of Everest, even as erosion continues to reshape the surrounding landscape. GPS data has shown that uplift currently outpaces erosion in the region, meaning Everest's height is still increasing despite natural forces that try to wear it down.

Dai likened isostatic rebound to a boat rising in water when weight is removed. When masses like ice or eroded rock are taken away, the underlying land rises. This process is common in other parts of the world as well, such as Scandinavia, where the land still rises in response to the melting of thick ice sheets from the last Ice Age.

This geological resilience underscores the dynamic nature of Earth's crust, constantly adapting to changes in pressure and weight. Dr. Dai pointed out that while Mount Everest might seem like an immutable feature of the landscape, it is actually subject to continuous geological forces, reminding us that Earth's surface is in perpetual flux.

The birth of the Himalayas dates back roughly 50 million years, arising from the collision between the Indian subcontinent and Eurasia. The ongoing tectonic convergence has been pushing the Himalayas upwards ever since.

However, the researchers argue that isostatic rebound caused by the rivers significantly amplifies this uplift, adding another layer of complexity to Everest’s growth story. The erosion caused by the Arun and Kosi rivers doesn't just shape the valley floors but impacts the height of the tallest peaks, contributing to a remarkable geological narrative that continues today.

The interaction between rivers and mountains is an example of how forces that seem opposed—erosion and uplift—can work in tandem to shape Earth's most extreme landscapes. As the rivers carve away the valleys, the mountains continue to rise in response, their heights adjusting to the changing distribution of mass. This complex relationship between erosion and uplift is what keeps Mount Everest growing. Adam Smith noted that as erosion proceeds, the rate of uplift from isostatic rebound could even increase in the future.

Cultural significance also enriches Everest’s physical stature. The mountain is sacred to the local Sherpa and Tibetan communities and stands as a symbol of human endurance and achievement. "Mount Everest occupies a unique place in human consciousness," said Dai. "Physically, it represents Earth's highest point, giving it immense significance simply by virtue of its stature. Culturally, it symbolizes the ultimate challenge, embodying human endurance and our drive to surpass perceived limits."

Mount Everest’s growth, influenced by both tectonic forces and river-induced uplift, reflects a dynamic process that is both ancient and ongoing. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly unchanging landmarks are part of Earth's constantly evolving landscape.

This continuous interaction between geological forces keeps reshaping our world, offering insights into how the most iconic mountains came to be—and how they keep changing. Everest, still reaching higher into the sky, embodies not just a peak of stone but a symbol of the relentless forces shaping our planet.

Note: Materials provided above by The Brighter Side of News. Content may be edited for style and length.

Like these kind of feel good stories? Get The Brighter Side of News' newsletter.