Is Mount Everest Still Growing?

Considered the tallest mountain on Earth, scientists believe that Mount Everest is growing a little taller each year. A common estimate for its rate of growth is about 0.16 inches (4 mm) per year. The actual height of Mount Everest is questioned, with surveys conducted by different nations producing slightly different figures. For example, the a Chinese surveying team calculated its height as 29,028.80 feet (8,847.98 m), about 11.64 feet (3.55 m) of which is an ice cap; while an American team found the mountain to be 29,038.71 feet (8,851 m), with about 3 feet being ice. The mountain was named in honor of Sir George Everest of Great Britain, and Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay of India were the first to reach its summit, on 29 May 1953.

More facts about Mount Everest:

• Although the success rate of reaching the summit of Mount Everest is only about 30 percent, more than 3,000 people have climbed to the top — some more than once, for more than 5,000 total ascents. More than 200 people have died while attempting to scale the mountain.


• Mount Everest is part of the Himalayan range and is situated along the border of Tibet and Nepal. The summit offers a view of three nations: Tibet, Nepal and India.


• The mountain is known as Chomolungma by the residents of Tibet and the Sherpa of eastern Nepal. The name roughly translates into English as “mother goddess of the Earth.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mount Everest still growing in height?

Yes, Mount Everest is still growing. Geologically, the Himalayas, where Everest is located, are being pushed upwards as the Indian tectonic plate collides with the Eurasian plate. This process causes Everest to grow approximately 4 millimeters each year, according to the National Geographic Society.

What factors contribute to the growth of Mount Everest?

The primary factor contributing to the growth of Mount Everest is tectonic activity. The constant collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates forces the mountain upwards. Additionally, geological processes such as folding, faulting, and volcanic activity can contribute to the mountain's growth over time.

How is the height of Mount Everest measured?

The height of Mount Everest is measured using a combination of GPS technology, triangulation, and advanced surveying techniques. In 2020, a revised height of 8,848.86 meters was announced by China and Nepal, which was determined using satellite data and a survey team that climbed the peak to collect snow depth information.

Can earthquakes affect the height of Mount Everest?

Earthquakes can indeed affect the height of Mount Everest. For instance, the 2015 earthquake in Nepal caused the mountain to drop by about 2.5 centimeters, as reported by the European Space Agency. However, the long-term tectonic uplift often counteracts these sudden changes over time.

What is the rate of Mount Everest's growth?

Mount Everest's growth rate is estimated at about 4 millimeters per year. However, this rate can vary due to seismic activity and other geological events. Over millions of years, these small increments have contributed to the mountain's current towering height.

Could Mount Everest ever stop growing?

It is possible that Mount Everest could stop growing if the tectonic forces driving its ascent were to change significantly. If the Indian plate were to slow its movement or subduct beneath the Eurasian plate, the upward thrust could decrease or cease. However, such a change would likely take millions of years to occur.