Perito Moreno glacier records fastest mass loss since 2015

Reuters

Massive ice blocks breaking off from Argentina’s Perito Moreno glacier have grown larger in recent years, raising concerns among experts about its long-term stability amid signs of retreat.

A sharp cracking noise signals the imminent collapse of a huge ice block- equivalent to a 20-story building—from the Perito Moreno glacier into the vibrant blue waters below. Visitors have long gathered on viewing platforms to witness this dramatic "calving" phenomenon.

However, local guides and glaciologists are increasingly alarmed by the growing size of these ice chunks. A 2024 government report co-authored by Ruiz confirmed that although the glacier was stable for 50 years, since 2015 it has lost mass at its fastest rate in nearly five decades, declining by 0.85 meters per year on average. This reflects a global trend of accelerating glacier shrinkage, according to UNESCO.

Ruiz’s team has recorded a slight rise in local temperatures and reduced snowfall, disrupting the glacier’s balance between accumulation and melting.

Despite these concerns, Perito Moreno remains a stunning destination for visitors who take boat tours to see the calving ice and floating icebergs up close. 

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