Everest Shifts: 3 Centimeter Shift Beneath Mt. Everest Caused By Nepal Earthquake

Mt. Everest shifts 3 centimeters after the earthquake in Nepal. According to the Indian Express, the height of the tallest mountain in the world was not affected. As the ground beneath the mountain moved, it caused a small shift, which actually isn’t very surprising. Over the past decade, the mountain has moved a total of 40 centimeters, according to China’s National Administration of Surveying, Mapping, and Geoinformation.

“The first good view from a satellite in the aftermath of Nepal’s deadly earthquake showed that a broad swath of ground near Kathmandu lifted vertically, by about one metre causing severe damage to the city, Live Science reported last month. The data also indicated Mt Everest might have, got a bit shorter, the report said. But the Chinese data contradicts this.”

Everest shifted by 3 centimeters after a magnitude-7.8 earthquake, but that wasn’t the only significant thing that happened. According to Sky News, there was also an avalanche on Everest following the quake. Eighteen people, who had been on the mountain at the time, were killed. It was reported that over 800 people were on the mountain at the time the earthquake occurred, but the majority of them were able to make it off safely.

Authorities in China and Nepal have canceled all upcoming climbs for the remainder of the year. As previously reported by the Inquisitr, there have been aftershocks in the area, and authorities are concerned that the mountain is not safe.”With ongoing aftershocks and tremors we can’t continue expeditions. And there is nothing in place for climbers anyway … no ropes or ladders. So there is no point in continuing this season,” explained guide for Kathmandu-based Asian Trekkers, Dawa Steven Sherpa. It is believed that the mountain will reopen next year.The earthquakes in Nepal were devastating to the area, killing over 8,700 people, and leaving thousands homeless.

“Two earthquakes, on April 25 and May 12, killed more than 8,700 people in Nepal, triggered landslides and destroyed half a million homes, leaving thousands without shelter just weeks ahead of monsoon rains.”

News that Everest shifts 3 centimeters is making headlines on the internet this week. While the devastation is still the primary focus in the area, other changes have occurred that many people do not even realize. Over the next ten years, it is possible that Mt. Everest will shift another 40 centimeters, or even more. Earthquakes in the area will drive those shifts up.

[Photo by Paula Bronstein / Getty Images]