Study OAS ·
Switzerland’s Gries Glacier Melting Rapidly
What’s the News?
- The Gries Glacier in the canton of Valais, Switzerland, is retreating very fast. Its ice depth dropped by six meters over one year.
- Since 2000 it has shortened by 800 metres. Compared with its length in 1880, it is now 3.2 km shorter.
- At lower elevations the glacier might disappear within five years; at higher altitudes (≈ 3,000 metres) parts could remain for 40-50 years.
Why It Matters?
- Drivers of melt
- Dry years in 2022-23 and a very warm summer in 2025.
- Snowfall in April 2025 offered brief relief but was insufficient to offset summer heat.
- Consequences
- Glacial collapse risk, with past example: the Blatten glacier collapse destroyed a village.
- Loss of glacier means less water storage, changes in river flows, increased risk of floods during melt periods and water scarcity otherwise.
- Global pattern
- Many Swiss glaciers (≈ 100) have disappeared between 2016-2022.
- The World Meteorological Organization confirms nearly all glaciated regions are losing ice.
Additional Info
- International Year for the Preservation of Glaciers: The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year for the Preservation of Glaciers to raise global awareness about the vital role of glaciers and the threats they face. The World Day for Glaciers is also observed annually on March 21.
- Glacier Monitoring Switzerland (GLAMOS):
- This is the official Swiss glaciology service.
- It systematically monitors changes in glaciers, providing crucial data on mass balance, length change, and ice volume.
- Its data contributes to global climate studies and policy decisions.