When will Mount Everest cease to be the tallest mountain on the planet? And how will this occur?
• This is a good question, but the short answer is that nobody knows. Let’s clarify some terms first: Mount Everest is not the tallest mountain on the planet by a long way – that accolade goes to , although much of it is below the ocean. The summit of Everest is not even the furthest point from the centre of the planet – that is believed to be the summit of . The summit of Everest is, though, the highest point on the planet above mean sea level.
It seems to be generally accepted that the Himalayas are still rising by about 5 millimetres per year as a result of the movement of tectonic plates in the region. Geological time is measured in millions of years, so the summit of Everest is likely to remain the highest point on the planet for many years yet.
Advertisement
Other relatively new ranges are rising too, but, because the Himalayas include most of the top 100 highest points on the planet, it’s unlikely that Everest – more than 200 metres taller than its nearest rival – will be overtaken for some time. The best answer we can give, I guess, is yonks.
Tony Holkham, Boncath, Pembrokeshire, UK