Officially the new height of Mount Everest is 8,848.86 m from sea level. The government of Nepal and China jointly agreed and announced the new altitude. Therefore, from now on the pinnacle has increased furthermore by 0.86 m. There were differences in the measurement style between Nepalese and Chinese officials. They couldn’t agree on the new height. According to Chinese officials, measurement should include rock only. However, Nepal considered snow caps too.
It is believed that every century the height of the mountain increases by a meter. Here are a few facts which are related to the height increment of Mount Everest (8,848.86 m). Before writing about the reasons for the height increase the blogger also wants to highlight that earthquakes can decrease the height of mountains.
Therefore, the doubt about Everest’s height decreased was there among people due to the 2015 earthquake. Lots of smaller peaks including the Langtang Himal has their height decreased due to earthquake. Therefore, the two-government decided to measure the height together.
Reasons for New Height Update of Mt. Everest 8,848.86 m are as follows
Geological Instability
It is obvious that the height of mountains changes. The shift in the tectonic plates of the earth can lift the mountain slowly throughout the year. Similarly, the earthquake can decrease too. In the case of the new height of Mount Everest 8,848.86 m the countervailing forces helped. Nature stroke a balance after a massive earthquake in Nepal.
How was Mount Everest re-measured?
Both countries (China and Nepal) measured the height of Mount Everest. The Nepalese team set up the satellite navigation marker on Everest’s Peak last year to calculate the exact position using GPS. The Chinese team also took a similar approach. Nepal used the modern laser instrument.
It is called theodolites. However, the Chinese team used the Bedew constellation navigation and other equipment. Nepal placed the ground-penetrating radar too. This helped to record the amount of snow and ice on the tip of the mountain.
Whatever the case, the good news for trekkers is that the challenge has increased. It is much more interesting now. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to do either Everest Region Trekking or a climbing expedition.