Swiss Glaciers Show Holes

Prelims: Environment | Current events of national and international importance

Why in news?

Recently scientists in Switzerland have found that many glaciers are developing large holes, making them look like Swiss cheese.

• Holes in glaciers – The glaciers are no longer "dynamic," meaning they aren’t creating enough new ice from snowfall at higher altitudes to replace melting at lower altitudes.
• As a result, ice just melts in place, becoming weaker.
• Water flows or air movements inside the ice blocks create small holes.
• Over time, these holes grow bigger, their roofs collapse, and they become visible from the surface.

Reason for the Holes

• It is due to the fact the glaciers are losing strength and structure.
• Glaciers in Switzerland have been shrinking steadily, especially since the 1980s.
• The worst years for melting were 2022 and 2023.
  Faster melting threatens:
  • Drinking water supplies
  • Agriculture
  • Hydropower (electricity from water)
  • River flows during dry seasons
• Recent incidents – A glacier collapse caused a massive mudslide in the Swiss village of Blatten.
• Some glaciers have lost up to 10 meters of vertical ice in a single year.
• Global situation – Similar glacier losses seen in the Himalayas and Tian Shan range in Asia.
• Global warming is pushing melting to higher altitudes.
• The Paris Climate Agreement aimed to limit warming to 1.5°C, but many glaciers will disappear even if that target is met.
• Significance – It reflects the tragedy of rapid climate change in real time.

Reference

The Hindu| Swiss Glaciers Show Holes