According to a recent study, the volume of Swiss glaciers halved between 1931 and 2016. This is the conclusion of an ongoing study by ETH Zurich and the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL). The scientists used historical images for their research.
While not all glaciers melted every year, in the 1920s and 1980s the mass actually increased in some cases, but overall, the climate during the 20th century was unfavorable for glaciers, according to the researchers. In addition, the glaciers have melted faster and faster over time.
The study further shows that not all glaciers were equally affected by the loss of their ice. The extent to which a glacier has melted depends on its elevation, how flat the glacier tongue is, and how heavily it is covered in debris.
Researchers used 21,700 historical photos
A special feature of the research is a new database. Using 21,700 photos taken between 1916 and 1947, the researchers determined the surface of the glaciers at two different times. They then calculated the difference in volume and reconstructed the topography of all Swiss glaciers for the year 1931. Then comparisons were made with data from the 2000s.
For example, the researchers have for the first time reconstructed how the glaciers developed in the 20th century. So far, the picture of glacier changes has been based mainly on long-term glacier observations and measurements in the field and on aerial photographs from the 1960s. In addition, there are only a few Swiss glaciers.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
