The Everest summit, which rises 8,849 meters above sea level, is the highest mountain peak in the world, but will it remain so forever? In April 2019, geologist Aura Elmore approached the southern base of Everest in Nepal, but she did not take the traditional 12-day route; instead, she flew between the icy peaks on a helicopter. While delivering supplies to a team of scientists studying the effects of climate change on the Himalayas, the breathtaking view of the mountains was stunning. During this trip, researchers found evidence of microplastic pollution in the snow and spring waters near the summit.
In this article, we will explore how Everest can continue to grow over the years, and what factors affect its height. From earthquakes and tectonics to erosion and modern altimetry, the topic of Everest’s height opens the door to a number of fascinating scientific questions about this famous peak.
Mount Everest: The Tallest in the World
Mount Everest, which rises approximately 8,848 meters (29,032 feet) above sea level, is the highest peak in the world. This colossal mountain is not just a mountain; it is a symbol of human ambition and challenge, attracting thousands of climbers every year in their quest to reach its summit. But what if there are factors that could affect its height? Researchers like Aura Elmore are working to ensure that the towering peak withstands the impacts of climate and geological changes. During one of the exploratory missions, evidence of microplastic pollution was discovered through the snow and waters near the summit.
Mount Everest has great appeal, not only because of its height but also due to the famous mountain association it encompasses. For example, the mountain is part of the Himalayan mountain range, which contains 10 peaks over 8,000 meters high. Everest can be considered a friend among giant mountains, yet it retains its unique status. The mountains in this region are not only a thrilling sight but are also the focus of many studies on how mountains form and how their heights change over time.
How is the Height of Mount Everest Measured?
The story of measuring the height of Mount Everest began in the 19th century, during a time when technology was in its early stages. In 1852, the world-renowned Radhanath Sikdar, an Indian mathematician, worked on topographic mapping of the area based on mathematical standards. Sikdar measured the angles of the height of Mount Everest from known mountain peaks, leading to the discovery that the height of Everest is 8,839.8 meters. Despite technological advancements, the measurements obtained at that time were remarkably accurate, being only 9 meters off from the current official figure.
Since then, teams have continued to work on understanding the height of Mount Everest, and it has been measured several times over the years. In 1954, the height of the mountain was officially set at 8,848 meters, which was accepted by the Nepalese government. However, in 2005, Chinese researchers measured it at a lower height of 8,844.43 meters. The drama did not end there; these measurements were re-evaluated, leading to the announcement of a new height for Mount Everest in 2020, which added 0.86 meters.
Changes in elevation measurements are not only the result of advanced technology but also of political competition between Nepal and China. At the heart of the matter was a debate about whether to include the snow-covered summit in the measurements. Measuring the height of mountains requires a precise understanding of geological aspects, including the effects of erosion and tectonic forces, making the topic more complex than it appears at first glance.
How
Are Heights Changing Due to Natural Factors?
Indeed, Mount Everest is slowly but steadily growing. Studies indicate that its height is increasing at a rate of about 4 millimeters per year due to tectonic activity. This growth is attributed to the movement of the Indian and Asian continents, with India moving northward at a rate of about 5 centimeters per year, resulting in a continuous rise of the Earth’s surface. This means that Everest is not just a static mountain; it is a living mountain that changes over time.
However, the ascent of mountain peaks comes with its own challenges. Through erosion processes, the height of mountains is reduced due to natural factors such as wind, ice, and even snow. Scientists use techniques like studying the ice cover in other mountains, such as Mount Saint Elias in Alaska, to understand the complex erosion processes affecting Everest.
Erosion processes depend on climatic factors such as snowfall and temperature changes. The more moderate the weather, the less damage caused by erosion, but during harsh winters and storms, geological challenges increase. Aura Elmore’s experience with installing weather stations on Everest showed that the mountains are subjected to pressures from rocks carried by the winds, which may affect the accuracy of the measurements obtained.
Environmental Challenges on Everest
Climate change also poses significant concerns for Mount Everest and its surrounding areas. The increasing focus on high peaks also means rising levels of environmental pollution, including tiny microbes discovered during Aura Elmore’s mission. These issues highlight the negative effects of the increasing number of climbers on the natural environment of areas like Everest.
Everest is home to many complex ecosystems that rely on a certain balance. Therefore, with rising temperatures, ecosystems are severely affected, leading to changes in plant growth and wildlife balance. Climbers must be considered as elements in this system, where large and repeated gatherings can increase negative impacts on the environment. All of this comes at a time when we must deal with complex challenges that require sustainable solutions, ranging from managing the number of climbers to raising environmental awareness.
Impact of Natural Factors on the Height of Mount Everest
Natural factors play a crucial role in influencing the height of Mount Everest, where erosion forces and landslides interact with tectonic activities in the region. Glacial and rock falls are ongoing hazards on Everest and its surrounding areas. Erosion occurs due to factors like river flow, which studies estimate cut through rocks at a rate of 4-8 mm annually. Although the precise impact of erosion on mountain height still needs further research, a recent study suggests that changes in river networks could contribute to accelerating the growth of these mountains.
Some research indicates that when the weight of the mountain is reduced, such as through the melting of snow or rocks, it may allow tectonic plates to push the mountain further. This phenomenon is known as isostatic rebound, where some northern European and North American areas continue to rise after glacial retreat. For example, in the European Alps, about 90% of the elevation is explained by this phenomenon.
Conversely, in areas subjected to erosion forces, like the Appalachian Mountains, mountains are prone to lowering due to rapid erosion. In regions affected by tectonic activity, a competition may occur between tectonic forces and erosion, making it difficult to understand the relationship between elevation and decline.
Methods
Measuring the Height of Everest
Modern science has many methods for accurately measuring the height of mountains, one of the most prominent being the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). This system is capable of measuring peak heights with precision down to the millimeter, assisting scientists in obtaining accurate measurements of Everest’s height. However, the challenges associated with the weight of equipment make reaching the summit extremely difficult. For example, in 2019, a Nepali team collected high-precision measurements using small GNSS equipment that is easy to carry.
Modern techniques also rely on Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), which uses radar pulses to determine the structure of snow and ice above the rocks at the summit of Everest. These techniques help to understand snow deposits and whether they impact the height of the mountain. For example, the thickness of snow and ice on Everest was measured to be about 4 meters.
Operations in harsh environments face numerous challenges, such as low temperatures, which require batteries to perform efficiently. Scientists encounter difficulties in operating precise devices during their extended stay at the summit, making the collection of accurate data a complex issue. Despite this, teams have proven they can achieve remarkable scientific accomplishments, such as measuring the impact of significant earthquakes on mountain height.
Political Issues in Mountain Measurements
Political matters have influenced the measurement of Everest’s height, with conflicting reports from Nepali and Chinese teams measuring the summit from different sides. Following a devastating earthquake in Nepal in 2015, there were concerns about the disaster’s impact on Everest’s height. Although initial reports anticipated changes, the continued conflicting measurements from Everest teams have sparked tensions between countries. After compiling data from both teams, the official height of Everest was announced as 8,848.86 meters (29,032 feet), which includes snow that can affect the overall height.
This case highlighted the importance of agreement on how to measure, as determining mountain height requires consensus on a reference point. Over the centuries, sea level has been used as a reference point, but due to complex geographies, scientists must undertake precise calculations to determine the actual location of coastlines.
Furthermore, if the Earth’s center is used as a reference, the ranking of mountains by height may change. For example, Mount Chimborazo in Ecuador would rank higher if measured from the center of the Earth rather than sea level.
Environmental Challenges and Research Needs
Conducting scientific research at the height of Everest requires extensive preparations and resources. Harsh environments, such as low temperatures and strong winds at the summit, make information gathering difficult. Additionally, research teams operate in areas with oxygen deficiency, increasing the difficulty of conducting measurements.
Environmental challenges become evident when it comes to carrying equipment and performing measurements. Engaging in activities in the “death zone” – altitudes exceeding 8,000 meters – requires extensive preparations to enable team members to avoid health problems. Adapting to harsh conditions is a critical factor in ensuring the success of the teams.
At the same time, the success of research reflects the efforts made by scientists, crews, and all participants. Thanks to technological innovations and careful planning, research teams have managed to obtain precise measurements while mitigating harmful environmental factors.
Natural Challenges for Mountain Growth
The natural environment is a fundamental element in determining how mountains grow, including Mount Everest. These mountains are subjected to various factors that affect their growth and stability. One of the main challenges is the tectonic forces that control seismic activity. Ultimately, studies predict that these forces will cease, meaning mountains will not be able to continue growing infinitely. In this way, mountains are closely linked to the dynamics of the Earth. Earthquakes and landslides can also lead to the erosion of mountains, limiting their height. Climate regulations play a significant role as well, with winds, snow, and ice contributing to the fracturing of rocks and undermining mountain stability. As a result, Mount Everest could be at risk of collapsing due to its weight and pressure, preventing it from reaching sizes found on planets like Mars, where massive mountains continue to grow.
Impact
Global Warming on Mountain Environments
Global warming is considered an important factor that determines mountain growth balances. According to studies, the upper parts of Mount Everest have experienced notable fluctuations in snow and ice thickness due to climate change. Over the past decades, warming has been shown to contribute to significant ice loss, exposing bare rocks to erosion from weather conditions. This shows that climate change is not just an environmental event; it affects all aspects of life, including the formation of mountains. This process is considered a complex interaction between erosion pressures and tectonic forces, which indicates the mountains’ potential to change and adapt to their surrounding conditions.
The Highest Peaks on Earth: Everest and Naga Prat
Although Mount Everest is considered the highest on Earth, there are other mountains that compete with it in growth and elevation. For example, Mount Naga Prat, which neighbors Everest in the Pakistani Himalayas, has a growth rate of 7 mm per year. This means that if this rate continues, Naga Prat could become taller than Everest over 241,000 years. This shows how the dynamics of growth between mountains vary, based on different geological and climatic factors.
The Attraction of Everest as a Climbing Destination
Everest’s summit continues to attract climbers from around the world due to its status as the highest peak on Earth. Despite minor changes in the mountain’s height, the experience of climbing Everest represents a significant challenge and holds deep meanings for many climbers. The importance of the summit goes beyond just a number, as reaching the highest point is a personal moral achievement that transcends precise measurements. Through the experiences of climbers, they can feel a sense of accomplishment and the ability to face challenges, which reflects on their personal experiences in life in general.
Changes in River Networks and Their Impact on Everest
Recent research has indicated that changes in river networks around Everest may also contribute to the mountain’s uplift. Naturally, watercourses interact with the mountain environment and may play a role in adjusting the geological fabric of the mountain. This is evident through detailed analysis of how water currents influence the stability of the mountain and how they affect its formation over time. Rivers become not just watercourses, but geophysical factors capable of altering the very features of mountains.
Source link: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220407-how-tall-will-mount-everest-get-before-it-stops-growing
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