Can Fake Snow Save Glaciers?

Even though 196 nations of the world joined in Paris last year to sign an agreement to address climate change, there are still widespread concerns that not all parties will keep up their end of the bargain. Or, even more concerningly, that even if they all do, it might be a case of “too little, too late” with regards to the environment.

With this in mind, several avant-garde environmentalists have tried thinking outside of the box when it comes to saving our planet. The latest just-so-crazy-it-might-work scheme comes from Switzerland, where a team of researchers hope to save Morteratsch Glacier by spraying 4,000 snow machines over it continuously.

Glaciers under threat

The COP21 talks resulted in the nations of the world agreeing to limit global warming to a maximum of 2°C, and preferably within 1.5°C. However, even as far back as seven years ago, the WWF were warning of glacier erosion, particularly on the Monte Rosa massif in southern Switzerland.

On the other side of the country, the Morteratsch Glacier is also ailing. According to iflscience, the glacier is currently losing 40m (131ft) from its circumference every year. This makes it one of the most endangered glaciers in central Europe and its deterioration could have significant ramifications not only for alpine skiing, but also for European water supplies.

An innovative solution

In order to counteract the shrinking of the glacier, a team of researchers led by Utrecht University climatologist Johannes Oerlemans have pioneered a unique solution to the problem. Speaking in front of a crowd at the European Geosciences Union (EGU) in Vienna, Oerlemans proposed adopting 4,000 snow machines to run continuously throughout the summer and prevent the glacier from thawing completely.

The snow would be created using the very meltwater which runs off Morteratsch and could help keep it blanketed during warmer months. Since snow is white, it is adept at reflecting sunlight and keeping temperatures to a minimum, thus ensuring the longevity of the glacier for the maximum possible time.

The idea is currently being trialled by the team at a number of smaller-scale locales. If successful, it may be given the nod to safeguard Morteratsch iciness in years to come.

Changing with the times

The fake snow idea is just one of a number of unusual concepts being suggested by scientists across the world. With regards to the problem of our deteriorating coral reefs, for example, researchers have been using electron microscopy to reveal the secrets of nanocrystal-assembly in coral skeletons.

Through this technique, it’s hoped that we can better understand how corals are put together and eventually artificially breed our own, in order to continue the valuable role they play not only in tourism and economy, but also as ecological habitats.

Meanwhile, over in Arizona, the State University have posited the idea of freezing the Arctic circle manually. How? With the use of $500 billion wind-powered pumps, of course. The pumps would be used to force colder air to the surface of the ocean, thus freezing the top layer and undoing centuries of environmental damage.