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.