Snow In The Alps Might Melt Sooner Than You Think

There's a big chance that the snow in The Alps might melt sooner than you think. It is predicted that if people do not change their carbon emission activities, the Alps might lose 70 percent of its snow by 2100. But, if people can keep global warming contained and be below 2°C, the snow would only be reduced to 30 percent by the end of the century.

Moreover, researchers say that the Alpine winter season will become shorter than before. This sounds like bad news for skiers who would go deep in the snow as ski season would probably start around half a month to a month later. Winter sports are seen to be doomed as well.

Snow and Avalanche Researcher Christoph Marty said in a press release: "The Alpine snow cover will recede anyway, but our future emissions control by how much." However, scientists are still baffled on whether how can global warming affect snowfall in the Alps.

The climate models used by scientists project an increasing winter precipitation by 2100. But there's a chance that the region will only be experiencing an increase in rainfall and not snow fall. Marty shared that even there's an increase in winter precipitation, it might not counterbalance the effect of the inclement weather.

Researchers make use of meteorological data to predict how snow would look like in the next few years with ALPINE3D. They have to study how snow will be distributed in the mountainous regions as well.

Meanwhile, The Guardian reported that 2016 was the driest season of the Alps. In fact, the past three consecutive seasons in the Alps were said to be dry. The sudden melting of snow could mean a huge impact on tourism and economy as there will be a massive cut in employment. Low revenues from tourists will also have the owners run the place 'dry.'