Did a River Capture Event Make Everest Taller?
A fascinating study suggests that Mount Everest, which stands at 8,848.86 m, may be taller than expected due to a centuries-old “conquest” of rivers. This geological phenomenon occurred about 89,000 years ago and involved a river about 75 kilometers from the mountain. Researchers say that the erosion resulting from this event caused a significant loss of landmass, allowing Everest to rise as much as 50 meters. According to Adam Smith, an earth sciences researcher at University College London, this difference in altitude indicates that something unusual is happening in the Himalayan region.
The Mystery of the River Arun
Mount Everest’s height exceeds that of its nearest rival, K2, by about 250 meters. The height difference is intriguing and leads scientists to investigate the potential influence of the surrounding river systems on the mountain’s height. One notable river, the Arun, flows in an atypical L-shaped pattern, different from the usual straight-flowing rivers. Smith emphasizes that this strange configuration suggests that the Arun River may have been changed by a “process of conquest”, where it was diverted by the larger Kosi River network.
Research methods and findings
The recent one studypublished in the journal Nature Geoscience, used numerical models to track the evolution of the Kosi river network in China, Nepal and India. By comparing these models with current topography, researchers have determined that the Arun River was probably conquered by the Kosi about 89,000 years ago. This diversion increased erosion, creating the Arun River Gorge and removing enough landmass to lighten the surrounding area, leading to Everest’s rise.
Future research directions
The exact cause of the river catch remains uncertain. It may have been the result of one river eroding into another, or possibly the flooding of a glacial lake, leading to a massive flood that removed natural barriers. Smith believes Everest’s growth is ongoing and will continue until river systems fully adapt to these geological changes. Future research will focus on the rift and other affected regions to better understand the timing and implications of this event.
