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Triglav Glacier Melts: A Symbol of Slovenia Vanishes
27 Oct
Summary
- Slovenia's Triglav glacier has completely disappeared due to extreme heat.
- The glacier, a symbol of national identity, lost 93% of its area by 2003.
- Scientists are shocked by the rapid rate of melting in recent years.
The Triglav glacier, a significant symbol of Slovenian national identity, has completely vanished from Mount Triglav. This disappearance is attributed to extreme heatwaves exacerbated by carbon pollution, which have ravaged the Alps. The glacier, which once covered approximately 40 hectares in the mid-1800s, had shrunk dramatically by 2003, losing 93% of its surface area.
In the last five years, which include Europe's three hottest years on record, the remaining ice has receded to isolated pockets. New photographic evidence confirms that no ice remains on the mountain. Scientists are surprised by the rapid pace of the glacier's demise, noting that areas previously covered by several meters of ice are now exposed rock.
While the main glacier is gone, scientists have discovered ice within caves beneath Triglav as its retreat exposed new shafts. Another glacier on Skuta mountain persists but is better shaded. The loss of Triglav is seen as the disappearance of an important data source and a stark indicator of ongoing climate change.
