Earth & Geology

The Himalayas Are Still Growing — And Here's Why That Matters

Fact 1 of 264%

The Himalayas grow faster than your fingernails every single year.

The peak of Mount Everest continues its upward journey.

Tectonic pressure causes the Himalayas to rise by approximately 5 to 10 millimeters annually. This constant upward thrust is the result of the Indian Plate sliding beneath the Eurasian Plate. The range is far from static.

"At this rate, the mountains could be miles higher in a million years."

While erosion wears them down, the geological growth currently outpaces natural decay.

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