Monsoon Shifts Accelerating Glacier Loss in Asia\u2019s \u2018Third Pole,\u2019 New Study Finds
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A recent study by researchers at the University of Utah and Virginia Tech reveals that rapid glacier melt across the highlands of Asia\u2014often referred to as the “Third Pole”\u2014is being driven not only by rising global temperatures but also by shifting monsoon patterns. The region, home to the largest volume of ice outside the Arctic and Antarctic, is losing more than 22 gigatons of ice annually\u2014equivalent to 9 million Olympic-sized swimming pools.<\/p>\n
Using satellite data from NASA\u2019s GRACE mission, which tracks changes in Earth\u2019s gravity field to monitor ice loss, the study provides the first direct evidence that seasonal shifts in rainfall and snowfall\u2014driven by changes in South Asian monsoons\u2014are accelerating glacier retreat. The Himalayas, particularly the central, western, and eastern ranges, were found to be most vulnerable.<\/p>\n
Professor Sonam Sherpa of the University of Utah, the study\u2019s lead author, warned that ongoing disruptions in monsoon timing and intensity could significantly increase ice loss, threatening water supplies for more than 1.4 billion people across South and Central Asia. These glaciers feed major rivers that support agriculture, hydropower, and drinking water.<\/p>\n
In many parts of the central Himalayas, glaciers gain their mass during the summer monsoon rather than winter. At high elevations, cooler air typically turns heavy monsoon rainfall into snow, preserving the ice. However, global warming is shifting this balance\u2014reducing snowfall, shortening the accumulation season, and in some cases turning snow into rain, resulting in faster glacier melt and less ice accumulation.<\/p>\n
Co-author Professor Susanna Werth of Virginia Tech noted that this shift could change the dominant source of river flow from gradual glacial melt to direct rainfall, raising the risk of seasonal water shortages and long-term droughts in downstream areas.<\/p>\n
The study also highlighted rising threats from glacial lake outburst floods, a growing hazard as retreating glaciers form unstable lakes. Such events can trigger landslides and river floods, posing severe risks to nearby communities.
\nResearchers also identified 3\u20138 year melt cycles linked to natural monsoon variability, raising concerns about how future climate shifts could further destabilize the region\u2019s already fragile glacier systems.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Monsoon Shifts Accelerating Glacier Loss in Asia\u2019s \u2018Third Pole,\u2019 New Study Finds ………… A recent study by researchers at the University of Utah and Virginia Tech reveals that rapid glacier melt across the highlands of Asia\u2014often referred to as the “Third Pole”\u2014is being driven not only by rising global temperatures but also by shifting monsoon …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":132919,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":{"facebook_108372464460192_245495985553329":""},"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-132920","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-asia"],"yoast_head":"\n