Everest reaches new heights

Everest is growing - 21st October 2024

Mount Everest is growing. It's the highest mountain in the world. At the moment, it's 8,849 metres high.

Everest is part of the Himalayas. These mountains started 50 million years ago. They're where the Indian and Eurasian lands meet.

But now, Mount Everest's growing faster. Scientists measured the mountain. In 89,000 years, it grew an extra 15 to 50 metres.

The answer came from two rivers. 90,000 years ago, they joined into one very powerful river. This river moved millions of tonnes of rock out of the area. After that, the area was lighter than before.

Before, the rocks pushed down into the Earth. Now, the Earth is pushing back. So Everest's growing faster. Every year, it's growing up to 0.53 millimetres higher.

Now, there's less ice on the mountains. This is making them lighter too.