Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a new method of calculating ice volume and used it to recalculate the size of the Swiss glaciers. In 1999, the total ice volume of approximately 1500 glaciers in Switzerland was estimated at 74 cubic kilometres. Since then, however, some 12 percent has already melted away. The earth’s glaciers are one of the ‘uncertain factors in climate forecasts. It is difficult to precisely calculate the ice volume, making its effects – such as a rising sea level – unpredictable. However, melting glaciers do not only contribute to a rising sea level. They cause a reduction in freshwater supplies and change the landscape and ecosystems forever. Switzerland is also affected: Swiss glaciers have reduced dramatically in size over the past twenty years, particularly during the past ten years, which has been the warmest decade of the past 150 years. A new method of calculation can now more accurately determine just how much ice the Swiss glaciers have lost. The process was developed by Martin Funk, professor and head of the Department for Glaciology at the Laboratory for Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology (Versuchsanstalt für Wasserbau, Hydrologie und Glaziologie – VAW) and his team at […]