Researchers from St. Petersburg State University, the Institute of Geology and Mineralogy of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Altai State University report a clear long-term change in the Altai glacier zone. They note that the glacier area in the Northern Chuisky Mountains has significantly reduced, with the extent measured over the last century and a half showing a dramatic contraction. The study combines a meticulous assessment of glacial boundaries, cross-year regional imagery, and a synthesis of temperature and precipitation trends across the ridge, providing a comprehensive view of the region’s cryosphere evolution. The findings were released through the press office of St. Petersburg State University, underscoring the collaboration across leading Russian research institutions. (Source: St. Petersburg State University press service)
Lead researchers emphasize that the retreat of glaciers in this part of Altai has surpassed the rate observed in other segments of the range since the mid-1800s. In the most recent decade, large glaciers have retreated even faster, with edge loss averaging about 14 meters per year. Such rapid decline reflects a combination of long-term climate warming and local environmental responses, and it was highlighted by Dmitry Ganyushkin of St. Petersburg State University during a briefing on the project. (Source: St. Petersburg State University press service)
The team notes that glacial melt has broader implications for the mountain ecosystem. As glaciers recede, the forest belt can advance upward, and unstable rock faces may become more prone to erosion. This shifting balance increases the risk of landslides and rockfalls, affecting watershed dynamics, biodiversity, and local communities that rely on mountain resources. The researchers stress the importance of continued monitoring to anticipate ecological changes and to inform mitigation strategies for slope stability and habitat preservation. (Source: St. Petersburg State University press service)
Separately, scientists associated with the European Space Agency have contributed to a separate, internationally coordinated assessment known as the IMBIE program, which focuses on the mass balance of Earth’s ice sheets. A recent report from IMBIE highlights a fivefold increase in glacier melt in Greenland and Antarctica since 1992, underscoring a global trend of accelerated ice loss. While this report centers on distant ice sheets, it adds context to regional observations of alpine glaciers and reinforces the importance of integrating satellite data with ground measurements to understand the wider climate system. (Source: European Space Agency IMBIE program)