Rhone Glacier covered in white blankets to slow melting

Rhone Glacier climate change mitigation geotextile blankets Swiss Alps glacier melting

In the Swiss Alps, authorities are using large white geotextile blankets to cover portions of the Rhone Glacier. This measure is designed to combat the effects of climate change by reflecting solar radiation and providing insulation to the ice and snow beneath the covers.

The goal of this technique is not to halt climate change or prevent the eventual disappearance of the glacier, but rather to temporarily slow the rate of melting in specific areas. The Rhone Glacier, located in the canton of Valais near the Furka Pass, is a critical geographic feature as it serves as the source of the Rhone River, which flows through Switzerland and France into the Mediterranean.

Glaciologist Matthias Huss has noted that the glacier has been losing ice at an accelerated rate, particularly following dry winters with minimal snowfall. The retreating glacier has already altered the local landscape, leading to the formation of a glacial lake in front of its tongue.

Entities

Matthias Huss · Rhône Glacier · Rhône River · Swiss Alps · Valais

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 3 SOURCES] The Rhone Glacier is located in the Swiss canton of Valais near the Furka Pass. www.diariodelsur.com.co · extra.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The strategy aims to temporarily reduce the speed of melting in specific areas rather than stopping climate change. www.diariodelsur.com.co · extra.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The Rhone Glacier is the source of the Rhone River, which flows through Switzerland and France. www.diariodelsur.com.co · extra.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Glaciologist Matthias Huss noted the glacier was losing ice at an accelerated rate following a dry winter with little snow. www.diariodelsur.com.co · extra.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The white covers reflect solar radiation and provide insulation to the snow and ice underneath. www.diariodelsur.com.co · extra.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com
[● 3 SOURCES] White geotextile blankets are being used to cover large areas of the Rhone Glacier. www.diariodelsur.com.co · extra.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com

Sources

Turistas saltan las barreras por un selfie en uno de los paisajes más famosos de los Alpes [www.lugaresdeaventura.com]

2 days ago

Mantas contra el calentamiento: la inusual defensa de los Alpes suizos - Diario del Sur [www.diariodelsur.com.co]

3 days ago

Suiza cubre sus glaciares para ganar tiempo frente al cambio climático - EXTRA | El Diario de Todos [extra.com.co]

3 days ago

El glaciar del Ródano se protege del calor bajo enormes mantas blancas - HSB NOTICIAS [www.hsbnoticias.com]

3 days ago