A team of scientists led by Associate Professor Zhu Bing at Nanjing University in Jiangsu Province, China, conducted an investigation into a protective film designed to slow glacier melting on the surface. This development has been reported by Bloomberg, highlighting a practical approach to climate adaptation in snowy regions.
During the field test, researchers covered more than 400 square meters of the Dagu Glacier in the Ngawa-Tibet-Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, located in southwestern China. The material on the glacier’s surface functions as a reflective shield, bouncing back approximately 93% of incoming solar radiation to guard snow and ice from rapid warming. The scientists describe the film as a durable, energy-efficient solution that helps reduce heat absorption in vulnerable glacial zones.
Matthias Huss, a renowned glaciology professor at ETH Zurich, commented on the study, noting that this reflective film presents a strong tool in the local fight against climate change impacts on mountainous glaciers. The potential benefits lie in slowing ice loss, preserving fresh water reserves, and maintaining ecological balance in alpine environments.
Covering glaciers with white, reflective material is not entirely new. European ski resorts have utilized similar strategies for nearly two decades to mitigate surface melting and protect winter sports economies. What sets the current Chinese effort apart is the acceleration of technological capabilities and a focus on environmental sustainability. The film is formulated from cellulose acetate derived from plant sources, aiming to minimize ecological disruption while offering robust performance in harsh high-altitude conditions. In addition, experts have developed the option to deploy the material as an aerosol sprayed by drones, enabling access to hard-to-reach glacier surfaces without large-scale ground operations.
Past studies indicate that applying reflective materials to glacier surfaces can reduce snow and ice melt by roughly 50 to 70 percent under certain conditions, though researchers emphasize that ongoing experiments are needed to confirm results across different sites and seasons. In September, the research team plans to return to the study area to take further measurements and refine the technology’s effectiveness. Meltwater samples will be analyzed to understand any environmental implications associated with the film, including its lifecycle, degradation products, and potential impacts on downstream ecosystems. The project spans three to five years, after which scientists will assess whether to extend the approach to other glaciers within China and beyond, weighing risks, benefits, and logistical considerations.
Earlier efforts in other regions, including collaborations involving researchers from the United States and South Africa, explored traces of ancient glaciers to understand historical climate patterns and to test preservation techniques for fragile ice features. These parallel initiatives contribute to a broader international effort to study glacier dynamics, resilience, and the role of innovative materials in climate adaptation strategies. By combining field trials with laboratory analyses and environmental monitoring, researchers aim to build a clearer picture of how reflective films might complement traditional glacier conservation methods and water resource management in a warming world. [Bloomberg]