Half of the glacier ice in Peru's Andes has evaporated
The Ministry of the Environment in Lima announced that over half of the glacier ice in the Peruvian Andes has vanished due to climate change. According to the National Research Institute for Glaciers and Ecosystems, the glaciers have shrunk by an astounding 1,348 square kilometers since 1962. Peru is home to most of the world's tropical glaciers.
One of the most severely impacted mountains is the Pastoruri Glacier, which has lost more than half of its surface area. This glacier loss has resulted in the formation of new lakes. The 5,250-meter-high Pastoruri in the northern Ancash region is a significant draw for Peruvian mountain tourism.
Approximately 70% of Peru's glaciers are located in tropical regions, making them vital indicators of climate change. The study on glacier retreat was conducted in 20 mountain ranges with glaciers in 14 of Peru's 25 departments.
The rapid retreat of glaciers is primarily driven by increasing temperatures, particularly during the wet season. Recent precipitation levels have had minimal impact on this trend. The role of meltwater in groundwater recharge remains understudied, though retreating glaciers can create nutrient hotspots and enrich soil in certain areas.
The melting glaciers pose challenges for mountain tourism, as changes in water resources, landscapes, and potential hazards from glacial lakes and moraines can alter the tourist experience. Moreover, local economies relying on tourism and agriculture may be affected by the loss of glacial water resources.
Source:
Enrichment insights:
- Rapid retreat of glaciers in the Peruvian Andes, resulting in volume reductions and accelerated retreat rates.
- ENSO – El Niño-Southern Oscillation – impacts on glacier mass balance trends.
- Formation of proglacial lakes due to glacier retreat and associated impacts on ecosystems and water resources.
- Groundwater recharge and nutrient hotspots created by retreating glaciers.
- Challenges for mountain tourism due to changes in water resources, landscapes, and potential hazards from glacial lakes and moraines.
- Economic implications of melting glaciers on local tourism- and agriculture-dependent economies.
