Mont Blanc Shrinks by More Than Two Metres in Two Years
9th October 2023
The tallest mountain in western Europe has been measured at 4,805.59m – that’s 2.22m shorter than in 2021. NEW
The mountain is measured every two years to track the impact of climate change on the Alps.
Chief geometer, Jean des Garets, said that his team has learned much about Mont Blanc since accurate measurements began 22-years ago.
“The summit is constantly changing in altitude and position, with changes of up to five metres,” he said.
“Mont Blanc could well be much taller in two years.”
The highest recorded height of the mountain was 4,810.9m in 2007.
After the 2021 measurement experts said that, on average, the mountain was losing around 13cm of height a year.
“We’re gathering the data for future generations,” Mr des Garets added.
“We’re not here to interpret them, we leave that up to the scientists.”
Mont Blanc, France. Image © PlanetSKI
Mont Blanc’s peak is 4,792m above sea level, but the variation in height comes from snow and ice at the summit.
The amount there depends on the wind and weather.
The researchers said that the shrink could have been caused by “lower precipitation” – or less rain – this year.
A higher peak would have been recorded if there had been stronger precipitation and lower winds.
Earlier on PlanetSKI we reported on the recent ice loss on glaciers in Switzerland:
We have also reported on the impacts of warming temperatures this summer:
To take the measurements 20 people climbed Mont Blanc and spent several days at altitude.
The height is determined by planting small receivers in the snow to model the ice cap that sits at the top.
The receivers emit a GPS signal which is then used to obtain a measurement to the nearest centimetre.
20,000 – 30,000 people each year attempt to climb Mont Blanc.
This year it was closed on several occasions due the danger of falling rocks and new crevasses opening up.
PlanetSKI was in Chamonix during our travels this summer:
Mont Blanc, Image c/o PlanetSKI
Mont Blanc gains one metre from June to September, but that did not happen this summer because several days of high temperatures and a lack of snow.
“It is hard to believe we are going to recuperate a few metres over the next two years. There is a lot of variation, but there is a slight downward trend,” researchers added.
Related Articles:
- Threat to Italian glaciers increases
- Austria’s glaciers shrinking faster than ever
- Covering glaciers: an expensive way of preventing ice melt
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