The recent trending news in the world of climate change studies focuses on Switzerland’s glaciers. A 2022 study has disclosed that these glaciers have undergone an average ice loss of 6.2%. The reasons, consequences, and how this situation affects groundwater reservoirs alongside energy supply are all issues worth discussing.
Reason behind Glacial Melting: Saharan Sand and Heatwave
A key driver for the extensive glacial melting is due to the preceding winter being void of substantial snowfall across the Alps. Consequently, this lack of insulation exposed the glaciers to the harshness of the incoming summer melt season. Spring also contributed to the adversity as Saharan dust was transported to Europe via natural atmospheric weather patterns, covering the Alpine landscape.
Being dust-coated meant that these areas absorbed more solar energy than if they were covered in snow. This caused the now orange-tinted snow to experience accelerated melting. Record-breaking heatwaves swept across Europe during this period, causing parts of the UK to experience temperatures of up to 40° Celsius for the first time.
Comparing Past and Present Melting Patterns
In 2003, an extreme melt season saw a 3.8% loss of glacier ice across Switzerland. However, the figures in 2022 far exceed previous data, indicating a significant rise in glacial meltdown. Furthermore, Austrian glaciers have lost more glacial ice in 2022 than in any of the past 70 years. This indicates that severe melting has become the prevalent theme of 2022.
The Impact of Melting Glaciers on Hydropower
The Swiss utilize these glacial waters for hydropower, hence the extent of glacial meltdown significantly impacts the nation’s energy supply. One positive aspect of melting glaciers is that they serve as compensation for low rainfall periods by replenishing reservoirs.
Likewise, melting glaciers have led to the creation of over 1,000 new lakes across mountain ranges. For the first time this year, the thawing of Permafrost — the frozen ground holding rocks together — has caused almost continuous rockfalls.
Alps: The Young Fold Mountains
The Alps were established about 65 million years ago during the Alpine orogeny, a mountain-building event that marked the end of the Mesozoic Era. Renowned for their rugged relief and towering conical peaks, the Alps occupy over 80,000 square miles and stretch 750 miles long.
Arising from the subtropical Mediterranean coast, the Alps span across various countries including France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and Albania. However, only Switzerland and Austria are considered genuine Alpine nations.
Key Peaks in the Alps
Mont Blanc is the tallest peak in the Alps at 4,804 meters above sea level and is located within France, Switzerland, and Italy. Following closely is Monte Rosa, a consolidated group of mountains with its highest peak, Dufourspitze, claiming the title of Switzerland’s highest peak at 4,634 meters. Dom, standing at 4,545 meters and renowned as one of the more straightforward tall peaks in the Alps to summit, is also worth mentioning. Other noteworthy mountains include Liskamm, Weisshorn, Matterhorn, Dent Blanche, and Grand Combin.
Relevance in Civil Services Examination
Understanding the importance of glacial melting not just in the Alps but globally is crucial for civil services preparation. As an example, a previous examination question was, “How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India?” (2020). Hence, candidates are advised to stay abreast of such global environmental issues.