A new study has revealed a stark decline in snowfall across the Alps, raising concerns about the future of water resources and winter tourism in the region.
Researchers from Eurac Research, whose findings were published in the International Journal of Climatology, analyzed data from 46 sites across the Alps, spanning a century from 1920 to 2020. Their analysis revealed a worrying average decrease of 34% in snowfall over this period.
“There is a markedly negative trend in terms of fresh snowfall in the Alps with an overall decrease of about 34%. In particular, a notable decrease was observed after 1980. This date also coincides with an equally sharp increase in temperatures,” said Michele Bozzoli, an environmental meteorologist at Eurac Research and lead author of the study.
The study found important regional variations in snowfall decline. The southwestern slopes of the Alps experienced the most dramatic reduction, with snowfall plummeting by nearly 50%.In contrast, the northern Alps saw a more moderate decrease of 23%.
Altitude played a crucial role in these trends.While winter precipitation has increased lower elevations are seeing more rain rather of snow due to rising temperatures. “Snow is crucial as a water reservoir. It feeds glaciers, mountain streams, and as it melts slowly in spring, replenishes water reserves gradually. The decrease in snow has an impact not onyl on winter sports, but also on all activities and processes that rely on water. This aspect can no longer be ignored in the policy planning of water management,” bozzoli emphasized.
The researchers compiled their data from a variety of sources, including modern weather stations, historical handwritten logs from designated observers, and collaborations with meteorological offices, environmental agencies, volunteer organizations, and the University of Trento.
The findings of this study have significant implications for the Alps, a region heavily reliant on snow for both its economy and its ecosystem.
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