Description

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Context

The rapid retreat of Lewis Glacier on Mount Kenya serves as a critical indicator of climate change emphasizing need for urgent environmental action to mitigate global warming & preserve fragile ecosystems.

Mount Kenya

Feature	Details
Location	Central Kenya, East Africa
Coordinates	0°9′S 37°18′E
Elevation	5,199 meters (17,057 feet)
Significance	Second highest mountain in Africa after Kilimanjaro
Geological Type	Stratovolcano (extinct)
Age	Over 3 million years old
Glacial Coverage	Historically extensive but shrinking rapidly
National Park	Mount Kenya National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Flora	Unique alpine vegetation, Afro-alpine moorlands
Fauna	Elephants, buffalo, leopards & endemic species like Mount Kenya mole shrew
Tourism	Popular for trekking, mountaineering & ecological tourism

Lewis Glacier

Feature	Details
Location	South side of Mount Kenya
Type	Valley glacier
Historical Size	Large ice mass covering significant portions of mountain
Current Size	Less than 4.2% of its 1900 volume remains
Glacial Retreat	Lost 90% of its volume between 1934 & 2010
Predicted Future	Likely to disappear by 2030
Primary Cause	Climate change, global warming, reduced precipitation
Impact on Ecosystem	Decrease in freshwater supply, habitat loss for alpine species
Scientific Studies	2011 University of Innsbruck study; 2023 satellite data analysis
Conservation Efforts	Climate monitoring, afforestation & advocacy for carbon reduction

Climate & Environmental Impact of Lewis Glacier Retreat

Aspect	Details
Temperature Rise	Increasing global & regional temperatures
Precipitation Change	Reduction in snowfall leading to less ice accumulation
Water Supply Impact	Declining glacial meltwater affecting local communities & rivers
Biodiversity Threats	Habitat loss for high-altitude flora & fauna
Tourism & Economy	Decline in glacier-related tourism & mountaineering
Global Significance	Indicator of climate change affecting equatorial glaciers
Scientific Monitoring	Use of satellite imagery, glaciology studies & local observation

Tyndall Glacier

Feature	Details
Location	Torres del Paine National Park, Southern Patagonia, Chile
Coordinates	Approx. 51°10′S 73°15′W
Glacier Type	Valley Glacier
Connected Ice Field	Part of Southern Patagonian Ice Field
Size (Historical)	Was significantly larger in early 20th century
Current Size	Shrinking rapidly due to climate change
Major Water Source	Feeds into Tyndall Lake & Río Serrano
Significance	One of largest glaciers in region

Glacial Retreat & Climate Change Impact

Aspect	Details
Glacial Retreat	Has lost a substantial portion of its mass over last few decades
Primary Cause	Global warming, increased temperatures & reduced precipitation
Ice Calving	Produces large icebergs in Tyndall Lake
Rate of Retreat	One of fastest-retreating glaciers in Patagonia
Impact on Ecosystem	Disrupts water flow, affects biodiversity & alters local climate
Water Supply Concerns	Melting glacier contributes to rising sea levels

Scientific Studies & Monitoring

Study Focus	Key Findings
Satellite Observations	Document rapid glacial retreat over last 30 years
Climate Modeling	Predicts continued ice loss due to rising temperatures
Field Studies	Measurements indicate increasing melt rates
Hydrological Studies	Examines impact on local rivers & water systems

Glacial Retreat Trends Across Globe

Region	Notable Glaciers	Rate of Retreat	Primary Causes	Impact on Ecosystem
Himalayas	Gangotri, Siachen, Khumbu	Retreating 10–30 meters per year	Rising temperatures, decreased snowfall	Threat to water supply for millions, increased glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs)
Alps (Europe)	Rhône, Aletsch, Mer de Glace	Lost 50% of volume since 1900	Increased summer temperatures	Reduced freshwater availability, affecting tourism & hydroelectric power
Greenland Ice Sheet	Jakobshavn Glacier, Helheim Glacier	Some areas retreating 30+ meters annually	Rising Arctic temperatures, ice calving	Sea level rise, disruption of ocean currents
Antarctica	Pine Island Glacier, Thwaites Glacier	Losing 125 billion tons of ice annually	Ocean warming, ice shelf collapse	Major contributor to global sea level rise
Patagonia (South America)	Tyndall, Upsala, Perito Moreno	Retreating rapidly over decades	Increased glacial melt due to warming	Changing river systems, impacting regional climate
Alaska (USA)	Columbia, Mendenhall, Exit Glacier	Up to 20 meters per year in some cases	Rising temperatures & reduced snowfall	Loss of habitat for wildlife, increased landslide risks
Africa (Mount Kilimanjaro)	Furtwängler Glacier	Lost 85% of its ice since early 1900s	Drastic temperature rise, reduced precipitation	Total ice loss expected by 2040

For more information, please visit IAS GYAN

Sources:

NEW VISION

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. With reference to global glacial retreat consider following statements:

Glacial retreat can sometimes lead to an increase in river discharge before eventual water scarcity.
Himalayas are only mountain range experiencing glacial retreat due to climate change.
The presence of black carbon & aerosols accelerates glacial melt by reducing glacier albedo.

Which of statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 & 3 only
(b) 2 & 3 only
(c) 1, 2 & 3
(d) 1 only

Correct Answer: (a)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Initially glacial retreat increases river discharge as melting accelerates but over time as glaciers shrink water supply decreases leading to long term water shortages.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Himalayas are not only mountain range experiencing glacial retreat. Glacial retreat is observed worldwide including in Andes, Alps, Rockies & even Antarctica.

Statement 3 is correct: Black carbon & aerosols from pollution settle on glaciers reducing their albedo (reflectivity) & causing them to absorb more heat accelerating melting.