Future of the Himalayas
The Indian plate is continuing to crash into the continent of Asia.
This is happening at an average rate of 2cm a year. The result of this
geologic change is earthquakes in the Himalayas from the accumulated energy from collision and growth of the mountains. It is unlikely thatthe mountains will rise any further. Today, the peak of Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world, stands at 8,848 metres above sea level. Although the collision between India and Asia is happening erosive forces are also wearing down the mountain peaks.
Also, as the mountains continue to rise, their massive weight pushes down on the root and rock that is buried in the crust. As this rock is being pressed down into the mantle, it begins to melt and flow slowly, and can be squeezed out the side, causing the mountain to collapse.
Global Positional Systems (GPS) have been important to the geologic
research involving plate tectonics and the India- Eurasia collision.
It is GPS data that tells us how quickly the change is happening.
Using the data several theorists have put forth that in the next 10
million years, India will move forward another 150 to 200 kilometres.
This is happening at an average rate of 2cm a year. The result of this
geologic change is earthquakes in the Himalayas from the accumulated energy from collision and growth of the mountains. It is unlikely thatthe mountains will rise any further. Today, the peak of Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world, stands at 8,848 metres above sea level. Although the collision between India and Asia is happening erosive forces are also wearing down the mountain peaks.
Also, as the mountains continue to rise, their massive weight pushes down on the root and rock that is buried in the crust. As this rock is being pressed down into the mantle, it begins to melt and flow slowly, and can be squeezed out the side, causing the mountain to collapse.
Global Positional Systems (GPS) have been important to the geologic
research involving plate tectonics and the India- Eurasia collision.
It is GPS data that tells us how quickly the change is happening.
Using the data several theorists have put forth that in the next 10
million years, India will move forward another 150 to 200 kilometres.