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Nature is constantly changing, and even the largest geological formations are not immutable. Recent measurements indicate that one of the most iconic mountains in the United States has lost three meters in height, drawing the attention of scientists and geology experts.
The highest point on Mount Rainier, one of the most iconic mountains in the United States, is no longer the same. The ice cap that traditionally crowned the mountain is melting, leaving a new rocky peak on the southwest rim to become the mountain’s highest point.
The change was identified by mountaineer and mechanical engineer Eric Gilbertson. He climbed Rainier in August and September, using measurements to confirm the change.
According to him, the mountain lost about 3 meters in height, taking its elevation from 4.410 meters to 4.407 meters above sea level.
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The impact of melting glaciers
The phenomenon of glacier retreat is not unique to Mount Rainier. It is occurring in many regions around the world, including California and Sweden.
Global warming, driven through the use of fossil fuels, is accelerating the melting of snow and ice in several mountain ranges.
Since 1984, scientist Mauri Pelto has been monitoring the volume of glaciers in Washington state. According to him, these formations have lost approximately 40% of their volume in recent decades.
Most of this melting has occurred in the last 24 years, demonstrating a worrying acceleration of the process.
Pelto explains that even without glaciers, the mountains will continue to exist and receive snow in winter. However, the absence of these ice masses changes the natural dynamics of the landscape, affecting ecosystems and watercourses.
The mountaineer and his discoveries
Eric Gilbertson has a long history in mountaineering. At 38 years old, he has already climbed the highest points in all 50 US states and in 143 of the 196 countries in the world.
Among his achievements is climbing K2 without oxygen and reaching 27.887 feet on Mount Everest, coming close to the summit.
Gilbertson currently teaches at Seattle University. Two years ago, he decided to climb Washington’s 100 highest peaks again, a challenge he had already completed in 2018.
During this journey, he noticed inconsistencies in the heights of some mountains and began taking his own equipment to measure them.
Using a differential GPS system, he achieved highly accurate measurements. This equipment compares satellite data with fixed points on the ground, ensuring reliable measurements.
In August, he noticed that the point traditionally considered the highest point on Mount Rainier, called Columbia Crest, had lost height due to the melting of the ice cap.
To confirm his findings, Gilbertson climbed Rainier again in September. During the climb, he compared his measurements with historical data, confirming that the summit elevation had indeed changed.
What the experts say
Gilbertson's measurements were corroborated by Larry Signani, who led previous GPS surveys of the mountain. Signani participated in the first such study in 1988 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and has followed up on numerous measurements over the decades.
The original height of 4.410 meters was determined in 1956, and despite slight variations in measurements over the years, the elevation has remained relatively stable.
However, a survey carried out in 2010 already indicated that the Columbia Crest had sunk a few meters.
Gilbertson's work now confirms that the melting of the ice cap has continued, resulting in a permanent reduction in the mountain's height.
The impact of this process is still being assessed. The loss of glaciers could affect water availability in mountainous regions, alter natural habitats and influence recreational and sporting activities.
Scientists will continue to monitor Mount Rainier and other mountains to better understand the consequences of global warming on the natural landscape.
