Climate Change Impacts on Glaciers
Climate change impacts on glaciers involve warming-induced changes in accumulation and ablation rates, leading to negative mass balance and widespread retreat. Approximately 95% of glaciers worldwide are currently retreating.
Real World
Switzerland's Rhône Glacier has retreated over 1.5 km since 1850, and locals now drape it with white blankets each summer to slow ice loss and protect the tourist ice grotto carved inside it.
Exam Focus
Use specific data (e.g. mass balance figures, retreat distances) rather than vague statements like 'glaciers are melting'.
How well did you know this?