As a result of climate change, the glaciers in the Alps lose two to three percent of their volume every year. As a result, more than 600 new glacial lakes could form in Switzerland this century, according to a study. By the year 2100, however, almost half will have completely disappeared as eroded material will fill the lakes again.
A research team led by glaciologist Daniel Farinotti of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich and the Research Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape (WSL) calculated from the measured ice thickness of the glaciers that there are potentially 683 lakes with an area of more than 5000 square meters and a depth of more than five meters – but only if the glaciers in the country completely melted. The new lakes would mainly be located in the Rhône basin.
To more realistically estimate the number and surface area of future glacial lakes, the researchers used emission scenarios that assume global carbon neutrality from 2050 and high-emission scenarios in which little is done to combat climate change. The scientists report this in the journal “Earth Surface Dynamics”.
It showed that 380 new glacial lakes could be created by the end of the century if strict climate protection measures are taken. In the pessimistic scenario, that would be 655 lakes. By the year 2100, however, almost half of the lakes would gradually disappear completely due to sedimentation.
A study published last year, led by the water research institute Eawag, showed that about 1,200 new glacial lakes have formed in Switzerland since the Little Ice Age. About 1,000 of these lakes still existed in 2016, the others were backfilled with sedimentary material.
Lakes offer both opportunities and risks
According to the researchers, new glacial lakes harbor both opportunities and risks. On the one hand, valuable ecosystems can develop in and around them, which can lead to conflicts between nature conservation and economic use of hydropower. On the other hand, lakes can erupt and cause flooding into the valleys. Therefore, the large number of potential new lakes requires reflection on the future role and impact of the water body, the authors write.
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.
