14 DAY TRIAL // Following their researching the snow and ice cover of Mount Everest and the national park established around this landmark, a team of scientists have concluded that these natural ecosystems are undergoing significant changes.
Long story short, these specialists maintain that, throughout the past 50 years, the glaciers found in this part of the world have shrunk by about 13%.
Furthermore, it appears that the local snow line has also been affected by changes in environmental conditions, meaning that it is now roughly 180 meters (590 feet) higher than it used to be.
The American Geophysical Union informs us that, as far as these researchers can tell, two major phenomena have altered Mount Everest region's glaciers and snow line.
Thus, the first thing to blame is a 0.6 degrees Celsius (1.1 degrees Fahrenheit) increase in local temperatures.
Secondly, it appears that ever since the early 1990s, this area has experienced a 100-millimeter (about 3.9 inches) decrease in snowfall.
The specialists also explain that the accelerated melting patterns of these glaciers have made it possible for rocks and debris previously hidden under the ice to surface.
Lead researcher Sudeep Thakuri of the University of Milan commented on the importance of these changes as follows:
“The Himalayan glaciers and ice caps are considered a water tower for Asia since they store and supply water downstream during the dry season.”
“Downstream populations are dependent on the melt water for agriculture, drinking, and power production,” said specialist further argued.
Presently, the researchers are yet to figure out beyond a shadow of a doubt why it is that the ice and snow cover of the Everest region is changing in this manner.
Still, they suspect that environmental pollution caused by human society's heavily industrialized ways might be to blame.
The findings of this investigation are to be presented in further detail during a scientific conference taking place in Cancun, Mexico, this May 14.