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A warning sign of disappearing glaciers: Why do decades of glacier loss worry us?
The retreat of glaciers has been a visible phenomenon of climate change since the 19th century. The shrinking of these mountain glaciers provides important evidence of global warming since the late 19th century as an indicator of climate change. Mountain glaciers are reported to be disappearing in the Alps of the western United States, Asia, and Europe, as well as in tropical and subtropical regions of South America and Africa.
Between 1993 and 2018, the total loss of global glaciers was approximately 5,500 gigatons, an average of 210 gigatons per year. This shows that changes in glacier ice volume are one of the most sensitive indicators of climate change.
According to experts, 99% of glacial ice is concentrated in the vast polar ice caps. These ice caps show how glaciers are changing over the long term, and a growing body of data shows that glacier mass, climate change and greenhouse gas emissions from human activities are all accelerating glacier loss.
When the ice volume of a glacier in the accumulation area exceeds the loss in the ablation area, the glacier will expand; conversely, if the loss in the ablation area exceeds the growth in the accumulation area, the glacier will retreat. Almost all glaciers are currently in a state of negative mass balance, and continued retreat puts many glaciers at risk of disappearing.
Causes of glacier retreat
The mass balance of a glacier is a key indicator of its health. Changes in temperature and snowfall caused by climate change lead to changes in glacier quality. A persistent negative mass balance prevents the glacier from maintaining equilibrium and causes it to retreat.
Currently, almost all glaciers are in negative mass balance, meaning they are facing retreat.
For example, the Easton Glacier in Washington State still retains healthy upper snow cover, while the upper Grinnell Glacier in Montana has long been exposed and is disappearing at an accelerated rate. This phenomenon highlights the difference in glacier retreat changes.
Impact of disappearing glaciers
Sea level rise
As glaciers melt, global sea levels are also rising. Sea level rise is mainly determined by the melting of the polar ice caps in Greenland and Antarctica. Many experts believe that if all polar ice caps melt, sea levels could rise by as much as 70 meters.
The Thwaites Glacier now accounts for about 4% of global sea level rise, and its melting impact on sea level rise cannot be underestimated.
Reduction in water resources
The retreat of glaciers will drastically affect water supplies in some areas in the short term. In the Andes and Himalayas, for example, the loss of glaciers will directly affect the drinking water and irrigation needs of millions of people.
Impact on biological ecosystems
Glacial melt water is the key to the survival of many plants and animals, and many freshwater fish rely on low-temperature habitats. These species may face an existential crisis as a result of reduced meltwater from glaciers.
The impact of human activities
With the acceleration of human industrialization, the concentration of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases has increased, directly driving the current global warming, which makes the rapid retreat of glaciers more obvious. In fact, climate change has been cited as a major factor affecting glacier health.
As global temperatures continue to rise, glaciers in many areas are facing unprecedented retreat. This phenomenon has aroused deep concern for all mankind.
Future Outlook
Scientists warn that based on current trends, we could be facing the loss of almost all glaciers. This will have a major impact on the future of mankind, whether it is the reduction of water resources or changes in ecosystems, making mankind need to face up to this threat.
Are we aware of the seriousness of this global challenge and working hard to find solutions?
