Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina’s Santa Cruz province, long known for its stability amid global warming, is now facing significant retreat, possibly becoming irreversible. Recent studies reveal it has lost 1.92 square kilometers (0.74 square miles) of ice and thinned by up to 8 meters (26 feet) annually. This glacier, which historically balanced snow accumulation and melting, saw its first year of retreat in 2022, a trend continuing into 2025.
Dr. Lucas Ruiz, a glaciologist, noted that increasing temperatures—up 1.2°C over the past 30 years—are accelerating ice melt, with recent thinning rates doubling to 8 meters per year. The melting ice is changing the dynamics, causing the glacier front to slide and weaken, potentially leading to a feedback loop of further loss.
Experts report larger ice collapses into Lago Argentino, evidencing the glacier’s rapid degradation. The region’s changes raise questions about the future of this UNESCO World Heritage site, as neighboring glaciers also experience alarming rates of retreat.
Researchers are monitoring the situation with advanced technology, indicating that without significant climate changes, the glacier’s future looks precarious. The loss of stabilizing structures will likely alter its characteristics significantly, threatening its iconic status.
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