Lots of new snow on the glacier
This winter (2024), we've actually seen more snow on the glaciers and in higher areas, even though the climate is getting warmer. This has several implications for the future of glaciers:
More snow means more mass:
When it snows heavily, the snow accumulates on the glaciers and turns into ice. This can help the glaciers grow for a while, or at least prevent them from melting as quickly.
Snow reflects sunlight:
Technical term: “Albedo effect” Fresh snow is very bright and reflects most of the sunlight back into the sky. This means that less solar heat is absorbed, and the glaciers do not melt as quickly.
Snow protects against heat:
A thick layer of snow can protect the ice beneath it from warm temperatures, acting like a blanket. This causes the ice to melt more slowly.
Now and in the future:
More snow can help the glaciers now, but it depends on how the weather develops this summer. If temperatures continue to rise significantly, the additional snow may not be enough in the long run to stop the glaciers from melting.
Climate change is altering the weather:
Climate change is making the weather more unpredictable. Some places are getting more snow, while others are becoming drier. What this means for the glaciers remains to be seen. This time last year, we didn’t have half as much snow on our glaciers.
In short, more snow can help protect glaciers from melting, at least for a while. But the long-term future of glaciers depends on many factors, including how warm our planet becomes and how the weather changes.
