An international study led by ETH Zurich and other research centres predicts how many glaciers may remain until 2100 and when they will disappear. The researchers look at the number and timing of losses rather than only ice mass.
The Alps could reach their peak loss rate between 2033 and 2041. Worldwide, the peak comes about ten years later. The team calls this moment the "Peak Glacier Extinction". Under higher warming, more glaciers would vanish each year. The study warns that parts of the Alps, the Caucasus, the Rocky Mountains, some Andes areas and African mountain ranges are most at risk.
Difficult words
- predict — say what will happen in the futurepredicts
- glacier — large mass of ice that moves slowlyglaciers
- peak — highest point or fastest rate
- vanish — to stop existing or to disappear
- extinction — the complete end of something that existed
- warming — an increase in average temperature of Earth
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Are you worried about glaciers disappearing? Why or why not?
- Have you ever seen a glacier or a snowy mountain? Describe it.
- Which of the mountains named in the article would you like to visit? Why?
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