Glacier melting stopped?: Researchers discover astonishing phenomenon in the Himalayas

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Melting glaciers are not only a problem in Switzerland. Two billion people are supplied with water by the glaciers in the Himalayas – the disappearance of the ice poses an acute danger. The glacier on Mount Everest is shrinking. Glaciers are melting slower than expected, according to a new study published in the journal Nature. At least for now.

The researchers evaluated data from a weather station beneath Mount Everest. Measurement values ​​over the past 30 years have shown that temperatures under the mountains are not increasing, but are actually decreasing slightly. The research team attributes this to the katabatic winds.

Katabatic winds are so-called downdrafts. The air cools and sinks. To equalize the pressure, a pressure flow is created with the warmer air. This creates a strong wind that blows down the mountain. What is under the mountain is cooled. This is exactly what happened in the Himalayas and that is why measurements show temperatures dropping over the years.

Permafrost soils melt more slowly

This means that as the air in the Himalayas becomes increasingly warmer due to climate change, the katabatic winds become much stronger and the glaciers cool. But the consequences of the wind are still unclear. The researchers think it is possible that the permafrost soils are melting more slowly thanks to the gusts of wind.

This would be a huge relief for the people as the chances of rockslides, landslides and floods are increasing due to the melting of permafrost soils.

Rescue for glaciers in the Alps?

Researchers are confronted with a puzzle. It is not clear exactly what impact the katabatic winds will have. It is unclear whether the phenomenon actually stops glaciers from melting. In the long term, the melting of glaciers could even be accelerated by the katabatic winds. The wind can prevent moist air from reaching the summit, causing less snow to fall on the summit and shrinking the glacier.

According to the research team, the katabatic winds may be possible in the Pamir Mountains in Central Asia. However, in the Alps, cooling winds are unlikely because the mountains are too small. (jwg)

Source: Blick