Explain why does Mount Everest continue to rise?

Plate tectonics

Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that explains the structure and movements of the Earth's lithosphere in rigid plates that float on the more ductile Earth's mantle. This theory was formulated in the 1960s and since then, it has provided a solid framework for understanding many geological phenomena observed on the Earth's surface.

Tectonic plates are constantly in motion, moving at relatively slow speeds on the Earth's surface. These movements are mainly caused by the Earth's internal heat, which generates convection currents in the Earth's mantle. These convection currents exert a force on the tectonic plates, causing them to move and leading to phenomena such as the formation of mountain ranges, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.

There are several types of boundaries between tectonic plates, which determine the type of movement that occurs between them. The main types of boundaries are convergent margins, where plates move towards each other, divergent margins, where plates move away from each other, and transform margins, where plates slide horizontally past each other.

Plate tectonics plays a crucial role in the formation and evolution of Earth's features, including mountain ranges like the Himalayas. The collision of tectonic plates leads to subduction and uplift processes that contribute to the elevation of mountain ranges such as Mount Everest, the highest point in the Himalayan range.

Collision of the Indo-Australian and Eurasian plates.

The collision between the Indo-Australian tectonic plate and the Eurasian plate is the main cause of the continuous elevation of Mount Everest. At a rate of a few millimeters per year, these two plates collide, causing intense compression of the Earth's crust. This compression creates forces that push upwards, leading to the uplift of mountain ranges such as the Himalayas, where Mount Everest is located. This process of collision and uplift began millions of years ago and continues today, contributing to the continuous growth of the world's highest mountain.

Pushed upwards

The collision of the Indo-Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates leads to the formation of the Himalayan mountain range, including Mount Everest. When these two plates collide, the Indo-Australian plate slides under the Eurasian plate, a process called subduction.

This subduction creates immense pressure on the rocks and causes significant deformation of the Earth's crust. Deep rocks are pushed upwards, forming the majestic Himalayan range, which continues to grow at a rate of about 5 millimeters per year.

The upward thrust of Mount Everest and the other peaks of the Himalayas is the result of this ongoing tectonic activity. The geological forces at play sustain the growth of these mountains and contribute to the continuous elevation of the highest mountain in the world.