Anyone who has been paying attention to climate change's continually accelerating effects is aware (or at least has heard of) melting glaciers.
While mountain glaciers in Alaska are melting at an alarming rate due to the repercussions of climate change, the situation is dire for the world's tropical glaciers, especially those located in the Peruvian Andes. Tropical glaciers are retreating at incredibly rapid rates, posing significant threats to the region.
Peru is home to 92% of tropical glaciers, which are critical for local populations. The ice loss from these Andean glaciers could have devastating consequences, particularly concerning the water supply for surrounding communities.
Exploring the Extent of Glacial Retreat
A study conducted by scientists from the University of Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg from the years 2000 to 2016 aimed to quantify and examine the rate and extent of glacial retreat in this area.
By utilizing satellite data, the researchers analyzed the mass change of Peruvian glaciers over 16 years using satellite imagery from Landsat.
The study revealed alarming insights:
- The total area of glaciers in Peru had reduced by 30% during this period.
- The rate of glacier recession was four times higher from 2013 to 2016 than in previous studies.
To quantify this loss, about 8 gigatonnes of ice, representing roughly 10% of the total ice mass, was lost during this time. Among the 1,973 glaciers, 170 have entirely melted away. The land area lost is equivalent to 160,000 acres.
Although tropical glaciers in this region have been steadily melting since the 1980s, the rapid retreat has intensified in the last two decades.
Not only is the melting speed greater here than in other mountain ranges, but large populations settled in nearby areas mean significant human consequences are inevitable due to glacier loss.
Causes of Glacial Melting
Like many glaciers worldwide, a significant factor in this phenomenon is warming temperatures. However, due to the unique climatic environment surrounding Peruvian glaciers, they also face distinct challenges.
Tropical glaciers are significantly more sensitive to climate and temperature fluctuations than glaciers in colder regions. They also experience climatic phenomena exclusive to the equatorial region, such as El Niño.
El Niño is characterized by a warm phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), followed by the cool phase known as La Niña.
This phenomenon leads to environmental changes like:
- Increased air temperatures in the region
- A delayed rainy season
- Decreased precipitation
- Altered water currents
All of these environmental factors, exacerbated by El Niño, contribute to the accelerated rate of glacial retreat. According to the aforementioned study, El Niño is specifically responsible for quadrupling the rate of ice loss from 2013 to 2016.
Typically, El Niño phases last around four years, but they can extend from two to seven years. The implications of such prolonged melting are profound for water resources in the tropical Andes.
What Problems Does This Lead To?
Beyond their aesthetic value, Peruvian glaciers are vital for local populations, serving as a primary water supply. The water generated by these glaciers has numerous essential uses for nearby communities.
During the rainy season, glaciers collect precipitation and store it as snow or ice. This stored water is released during the dry season, providing necessary meltwater that supports various needs.
Local populations depend on this meltwater for drinking, agricultural irrigation, and powering hydroelectric plants. The natural runoff from glaciers ensures the continuity of Peru's rivers during dry seasons.
However, as glaciers fail to recover each year, there is an imminent risk that they may either disappear or dwindle to a small number, leading to a severe water security crisis.
Is Glacial Retreat Dangerous?
The repercussions of glacial retreat extend beyond resource depletion; they can also trigger catastrophic natural hazards. The most significant threats include flooding caused by glacial lakes.
When glaciers melt, water pools at their base, forming glacial lakes that are held back by the terminal moraine—the sedimentary ridge at the glacier's edge. If the integrity of the moraine is compromised by erosion or an avalanche, it can burst, causing catastrophic flooding.
This risk is not hypothetical. In 1941, a flood wave from glacial melting devastated about one-third of the city of Huaraz. From 1941 to 2003, glacial flood disasters claimed approximately 25,000 lives in the Cordillera Blanca region.
What Can We Do To Help?
The challenges posed by the excessive melting of Peruvian glaciers are severe and potentially life-threatening. However, measures can be taken to mitigate the effects of glacier recession.
Take Preventative Measures
By monitoring satellite imagery and glacial melting, as demonstrated by the Peru's National Institute research, impending disasters can be predicted, allowing for adequate preparation. Monitoring meltwater buildup can inform the reinforcement or construction of dams to prevent flooding.
Support Green Initiatives
In addition to preventative strategies, supporting green initiatives to combat climate change is crucial. Individuals can reduce waste and their carbon footprint while advocating for corporations and governments to adopt sustainable practices.
Conclusion
Peruvian glaciers are disappearing at alarming rates, and the implications for local communities are dire. Accelerated glacial retreat can lead to devastating consequences, not only for the water supply but also for the overall ecology of the region.
Fortunately, it’s not too late to join the fight against climate change and make conscious choices that can help preserve these critical water sources for future generations.
Supporting brands like AquaBliss, which focuses on improving water quality, is vital for communities reliant on glacier meltwater. Together, we can contribute to ensuring water security and a healthier environment for all.
