Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Mount Rainier, the iconic snow-capped peak in Washington State, has reportedly shrunk by approximately three meters due to significant glacier melting, scientists warn. According to a report from the New York Post on Saturday, October 12, the once-massive mountain has seen a noticeable reduction in height.
The Seattle Times noted that Mount Rainier, originally standing at about 4,392 meters above sea level, has now diminished to 4.388 meters. The decline in elevation, recently discovered by scientists, is believed to be caused by the melting of glacial ice that once covered its summit. This situation contrasts with Mount Everest, which, according to recent scientific reports, continues to grow.
The U.S. Geological Survey is set to further investigate the issue. Meanwhile, Mauri Pelto, a researcher who has been monitoring frozen mountains since 1984, sounded the alarm on the alarming loss of glacial volume in the region. He noted that the glaciers atop many mountains in Washington have lost 40% of their volume over the years.
“We still have mountains, and we still have snow during the winter,” Pelto said, acknowledging that while the mountains remain, the reduction in glacial ice is profound. He added, “But without glaciers, you lose an essential dynamic, and the mountains are poorer for it.”
The decline in ice isn’t limited to Mount Rainier. Mountains worldwide, including those in Europe, are experiencing similar changes due to global warming. This has also impacted climbing conditions on Mount Rainier.
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According to mountain guide Justin Sackett, the climbing season, which typically runs from April to September, has been ending earlier in recent years due to warmer conditions that pose greater risks to climbers, particularly in the North Cascades region of Mount Rainier.
Pelto also cautioned that many of the glaciers in the North Cascades are expected to disappear in the next 30 years. “There aren’t many glaciers in the North Cascades that can survive the next 30 years,” he stated.
As climate change accelerates, the shrinking of Mount Rainier is a stark reminder of the global impact of rising temperatures and glacial melt, which not only affects mountain ecosystems but also poses a threat to climbers and local wildlife dependent on these glaciers.
(Raidi/Agung)
