Record Melting of Glaciers in the Alps

According to a new study, in 2022, glaciers in the Swiss Alps melted more than any other year on record.

Key Findings: Massive Ice Loss: This year, Switzerland’s glaciers have lost an average of 6.2 per cent of their ice. The last time glaciers had an extreme melt season was in 2003, when 3.8 % of glacier ice melted across Switzerland.

• Limited Snowfall: Across the Alps, the preceding winter had very limited snowfall and therefore glaciers were not well insulated against the forthcoming summer melt season.
• Saharan Dust: Spring was particularly harsh as natural atmospheric weather patterns carried Saharan dust to Europe and blanketed the Alpine landscape.
• Since dust absorbs more solar energy than snow, the now orange-tinted snow melted faster than ever.
• Major Heatwave: A major heatwave saw temperature records smashed across Europe, with parts of the UK reaching 40° Celsius for the first time.
• By early summer, the glaciers had lost their protective blanket of snow, leaving them vulnerable to the summer heat.