Rwenzori Glaciers (Uganda) Melting Rapidly

[hatrack]

KAMPALA - "AN international team of scientists has recently observed a rapid decline in the extent of glaciers that cap the Rwenzori Mountains in western Uganda.

Field observations from one, the Speke glacier, indicate that it has receded more than 300m in the last decade. The team from Makerere University, the University College London in the UK, the University of Innsbruck in Austria and the Water Resources Management Department of Uganda, will estimate the area covered by this and other glaciers on the mountains over the next year.

The rate of snow loss suggested by field observations is however, of concern not only because of its potential impact on water resources and ecology of the Rwenzori Mountains, but because of how this may affect the livelihood of communities that depend upon this environment as well.

EDIT

Evidence from snow pits dug during this expedition reveals a very thin layer of snow of less than 20 cm and no firm layer (more dense snow) before ice is reached. Unfortunately, these observations suggest that very little ice is currently accumulating on the glaciers. A major focus of the international expedition which is supported by the Royal Geographical Society (UK) and Rwenzori Beverage Company (Uganda), is a determination of how the loss of snow and ice on the summit of the mountains affects water resources and specifically, streamflow at lower elevations."

EDIT

http://allafrica.com/stories/200310280382.html