Triglav glacier in Slovenia has completely melted

The last remaining ice mass of the Triglav glacier in Slovenia has completely melted following an exceptionally warm summer. Researchers from the Anton Melik Geographical Institute, which has monitored the glacier since 1946, confirmed that the final remnants of the main ice body, which had shrunk to only a few meters, have disappeared.

The glacier has undergone a massive reduction over the decades. In the mid-19th century, it covered approximately 40 hectares, and by 1946, its extent had decreased to 14 hectares. Between 1983 and 2003, the glacier lost roughly 93 percent of its surface area. Matija Zorn, director of the Anton Melik Geographical Institute, noted that the disappearance represents a scientific loss, as the ice served as a vital climate indicator and data source.

While the main connected ice mass is gone, some small, isolated ice patches and ice found in caves on the higher, shaded parts of Mount Triglav remain. However, these are no longer considered part of the Triglav glacier.