Why is Mt. Everest shrinking?

Question

What are the factors that could have caused this and what other implications can this phenomenon have.

It's for a project.

Answer 1

It is  getting higher, uplift is still outpacing erosion. Differences in measurement reflect not only different techniques but also whether to count the snow and ice on the summit or just the rock. See Wikipedia:

It is thought that the plate tectonics of the area are adding to the height and moving the summit north-eastwards. Two accounts suggest the rates of change are 4 mm (0.16 in) per year (upwards) and 3-6 mm (0.12-0.25 in) per year (northeastwards), but another account mentions more lateral movement (27 mm/1.1 in).

Answer 2

It is not shrinking. On the contrary the whole Himalaya Range of which Everest is in the middle, is growing taller every year.

If at all, the only explanation seems to be revision of the estimates with improved measurement techniques.

Answer 3

mainly global warming, greenhouse gases, and pollution

Answer 4

Mt. Everest is not shrinking.  It's official height is, in fact, about 2 meters, or 7 feet, higher than the previously accepted official height.  The reason for the difference in height is that it has now been measured with a very accurate GPS unit.

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Answer 5

I'm not aware that Mount Everest is shrinking.  What's true is that it's eroding, and the main cause of that is weathering.  However, presently, the erosion isn't outpacing the continuing uplift caused by the Indian tectonic plate pushing in against that part of Asia.

All mountain ranges eventually come to a point when erosion outweighs uplift, but that's not yet been reached by the Himilayas.

Answer 6

Because Americans are getting so big.

Answer 7

Actually is getting bigger

Answer 8

You know, I looked out the window at Everest and you're right.... it is shrinking.

Answer 9

Simple plate tectonics.  Two plates originally came together and where they met pushed up forming the mountain range.  At some point a long time ago they started moving apart, so now the size is decreasing accordingly.