Environmental Science
How Glacial Retreat Reshapes Alpine Hydrology and Ecosystems
Quick fact
In the Swiss Alps, some rivers that were once permanently fed by glaciers are expected to lose over 50% of their summer discharge by 2100, even before the glaciers completely disappear.
Why this is interesting
You might think that melting glaciers add more water to mountain rivers, but in many alpine regions the opposite is happening: streams are actually getting drier in the hottest months. How can losing ice reduce the amount of water flowing downstream?