A rocky path has emerged between two glaciers in the Swiss Alps following an intense heatwave this summer. This phenomenon has been recorded for the first time in at least 2,000 years after the hottest summer in Europe.
Hikers crossing the newly discovered path at the Glacier 3000 ski resort in Les Diablerets, Switzerland. (Photo: Reuters).
The Glacier 3000 ski resort in western Switzerland reported that the amount of ice melted this year is three times the 10-year average, meaning that bare rock can now be seen between the Scex Rouge and Zanfleuron glaciers at an altitude of 2,800 meters, and the pass will be completely revealed by the end of this month.
The melting Scex Rouge and Zanfleuron glaciers have revealed the path for the first time in 2,000 years due to this summer’s heatwave. (Photo: Reuters)
Mr. Mauro Fischer, a glaciologist at the Institute of Geography at the University of Bern, stated: “About 10 years ago, I measured 15 meters of ice here, and now all that ice has melted away.”
Regarding the rate of ice melting, he added: “What we are seeing this year and this summer is truly shocking and far exceeds anything we have measured so far.”
Glaciologist Mauro Fischer stands on the newly exposed path in the Alps after the glaciers melted due to this summer’s heatwave. (Photo: Reuters).
The glaciers of the Alps are currently losing a significant amount of mass.
Since last winter, with relatively low snowfall, the Alps have experienced two major heatwaves at the beginning of summer. Data indicates that the glaciers of the Alps are currently on track to lose the largest mass retained in at least 60 years.
