From The Conversation · Andrew Fountain · · 1m
Glaciers Shrink in American West
300 glaciers vanished from American West since mid-20th century, survivors shrinking faster.
In brief
300 glaciers vanished from American West since mid-20th century, survivors shrinking faster. 300 glaciers disappeared from American West since mid-20th century, survivors shrinking faster due to warming. Originally reported by The Conversation.
Glaciers in American West
Scientists measured Sperry Glacier in Montana's Glacier National Park.
Glacier Count Decline
Over 1,450 glaciers existed in the contiguous U.S. in the mid-20th century.
Glacier Area Shrinkage
Glaciers now cover 35% less area than mid-20th century levels.
Surviving Glaciers
300 glaciers have disappeared from the American West since mid-20th century.
Glacier Vulnerability
Surviving glaciers are small and in topographically protected areas.
Fastest-Thinning Glaciers
Beartooth-Absaroka Mountains lose 1.5 feet of ice thickness yearly.
Glacier Survival in Washington
Mount Rainier glaciers shrink slower than Rockies due to cooler summers.
Water and Ecosystem Impact
Glaciers provide water for ecosystems during dry late summer months.
The one thing
300 glaciers disappeared from American West since mid-20th century, survivors shrinking faster due to warming.
