With its elongated snout, the Morteratsch Glacier in Switzerland has established itself as one of the country's most iconic destinations. However, this majestic glacier not only attracts tourists from all over the world, but is also facing a critical crisis: every year, loses between 30 and 40 meters of ice due to rising global temperatures. If effective measures are not taken, forecasts indicate that its disappearance could be imminent. global warming is seriously affecting the conservation of glaciers.
To combat this alarming situation, an innovative plan has been implemented to strengthen the glacier by creating artificial snow. 4000 snow machines will use water from the melting lakes to generate snow, which will be used to cover the top of the glacier.This unprecedented approach raises the crucial question: will it be enough to save the Morteratsch Glacier? The conservation of other endangered glaciers, such as the glacier in Peru, also raises concerns.
The revolutionary technique of artificial snow
Studies have shown that artificial snow can be an effective solution to mitigate glacial melting. In this context, scientists have estimated that The Morteratsch glacier could recover up to 800 meters in length over a period of 20 years. if this technique is applied properly. To evaluate the effectiveness of this method, tests will be conducted on a smaller section of the Diavolezzafirn Glacier during the summer of 2017. The initial project is expected to cost approximately $100.000, which is a relatively low investment compared to the potential economic benefits of the glacier. This is similar to what is happening with other glaciers in danger, such as those found in China.
The main objective of this technique is to prevent the sun's heat from penetrating the snow and contributing to the melting of the underlying ice. If successful, It would be enough to apply a thin layer of artificial snow on an area of 0,5 square kilometers of the Morteratsch glacier.Snow, with its ability to reflect sunlight, acts as a protective shield that reduces temperature and, consequently, slows ice melting. This physical phenomenon is known as the albedo effect, which describes how the white surface of snow reflects more sunlight compared to darker surfaces. This technique is similar to those being used on other glaciers in Europe and America.
Furthermore, it has been shown that artificial snow has been successfully used in other contexts, providing a glimmer of hope in the fight against glacial melting. In this sense, the implementation of this technique on the Morteratsch Glacier could be a model for others. glaciers in danger, such as those found in the himalayas.
The threat of global warming
Global warming is one of the main causes of the rapid melting of glaciers around the world. To understand the magnitude of the problem, one need only look at the Morteratsch Glacier, which has shrunk significantly over the decades. Glaciers are considered true indicators of climate change., and their health provides a clear reflection of the consequences of global warming. In this sense, the situation of glaciers in Switzerland is alarming and reflects the impact of climate change on the region.
For instance, In 2022, the Swiss Academy of Natural Sciences declared that Swiss glaciers had lost an alarming 6% of their volume., which amounts to an unprecedented rate of melting compared to previous years. Glacier decline not only has environmental implications but also affects the economy, especially in regions that depend on skiing and outdoor tourism, as is the case with many threatened glaciers elsewhere in the world.
Global warming also causes sea level rise, threatening coastal communities and low-lying islands. A rise of just a few centimeters can have devastating implications for millions of people around the world. Therefore, it is essential to address the problem of global warming on multiple fronts. Investing in the conservation of glaciers like the Morteratsch can be an important step toward a more sustainable future.
Research on the Morteratsch Glacier
Climatologist Johannes Oerlemans, co-founder of the GlaciersAlive Association, has played a key role in researching the Morteratsch Glacier and other glaciers in Switzerland. In a recent interview, Oerlemans explained that his career began with computer simulations of glacier evolution, but that he was driven to study the Morteratsch Glacier after realizing that there was insufficient data on the surface conditions of these ice giants. This lack of data is also observed in studies conducted in Argentina.
Since 1995, continuous measurements have been carried out on the glacier. These measurements have revealed the existence of a unique microclimate on the glacier surface, where meteorological conditions are markedly different from those of the surrounding environment. This finding has provided a better understanding of how air dynamics and temperature affect ice melting. Furthermore, the study continues to be relevant in research on other glaciers around the world that face similar challenges.
Oerlemans points out that, despite efforts to mitigate melting, it is impossible to conserve all Swiss glaciers. The only long-term solution is to reduce CO2 emissions and mitigate global warming. However, in certain situations, such as the Morteratsch Glacier, it is possible to implement specific strategies to limit melting, providing a unique opportunity for innovation in glacier conservation.
The role of tourism and the local economy
The Morteratsch Glacier is crucial not only from an environmental perspective, but also for its economic importance. This glacier attracts tourists from all over the world, contributing significantly to the local economy. In 2019, the tourism industry in Switzerland generated nearly 30.000 billion Swiss francs, which represents approximately 5% of the country's Gross Domestic Product. If the glacier disappears, thousands of jobs will be lost in the region, affecting sectors such as tourism and hospitality. The situation is no different in places like the glaciers of Peru.
Scientists and tourism experts have begun collaborating on projects that seek to promote the glacier as a tourist attraction while implementing conservation solutions. In this way, it is possible to find a balance between economic development and environmental protection. Experience with other glaciers has shown that a sustainable approach is possible that benefits both nature and the local economy.
Initial attempts to protect glaciers have been promising. According to Oerlemans, The use of artificial snow has proven effective elsewhere, and its implementation on the Morteratsch Glacier could result in an increase in its length of up to 800 meters in 20 years.There are other interesting examples, such as what has been observed in the Glacier Valley, where similar measures have been successfully implemented.
Challenges and future perspectives
Despite optimistic expectations regarding the use of artificial snow, the challenges are significant. It is estimated that the total cost of fully protecting the glacier could exceed 100 million francs. Furthermore, The technology needed to generate artificial snow requires a system of pipes and pumps that operate with meltwater., which could be a logistical challenge in mountainous areas. This type of technology has been studied in other regions, such as the Perito Moreno glacier, which also faces similar challenges.
The implementation of this project will depend largely on collaboration between the government, the scientific community, and the private sector. It is hoped that, if initial tests are successful, the Swiss government may consider funding the project on a large scale, which could benefit not only the Morteratsch Glacier, but also other endangered glaciers in the region.
The fight against global warming and glacial melting is a collective effort that requires everyone's support. From government policies to individual actions, each of us has a role to play in protecting our environment and preserving our water resources.
If the Morteratsch Glacier survives this climate crisis, it could set a precedent for the preservation of other glaciers around the world, providing hope for future generations and demonstrating that global warming can be combated through technological intervention and international cooperation.