The Swansong of the Glaciers
8 hours ago
- #Switzerland
- #climate change
- #glacier melt
- Glacier Loss Day in Switzerland begins on 29 June 2026, marking when meltwater causes glaciers to lose ice mass.
- Glacier melt patterns in 2026 resemble the extreme year of 2022, with low snow cover, Saharan dust, and a heatwave accelerating ice loss.
- From 2003 to 2022, Switzerland lost about 200 km² of glacier area, reducing meltwater runoff in extreme years despite increased ice melt.
- While glacier meltwater temporarily supports water levels, retreating ice area may limit this benefit during droughts, as seen in 2022 versus 2003.
- Researchers warn that high melt rates currently mask the impact of shrinking ice, but continued loss will eventually reduce meltwater volumes.