Mount Everest's Height Increased by Erosion-Driven Uplift

A new study reveals that river capture and isostatic rebound have caused Mount Everest to rise by up to 150 feet over 89,000 years.

The Arun River's capture by the Kosi River has intensified erosion, deepening a gorge and causing surrounding mountains to rise.
This process, known as isostatic rebound, occurs as the Earth's crust adjusts to the removal of material, leading to uplift.
Mount Everest has grown between 50 to 150 feet over the past 89,000 years, with an annual increase of approximately two millimeters.
The study utilized computer models and digital elevation data to estimate the impact of river capture on the region's topography.
These findings highlight the dynamic nature of Earth's surface and the significant role of river systems in shaping mountainous landscapes.