Nepal glacier saw exceptional heat before collapse caused deadly floods: researcher
Summary
A researcher says the Nepal glacier that collapsed and triggered deadly floods in Nepal and China experienced exceptionally high temperatures in the days before the disaster. Scientists say the heat may have worsened permafrost thaw and snowmelt, though the exact trigger has not yet been confirmed.
Key Points
- A glacier collapse in Nepal on August 26 triggered fatal floods in Nepal and China.
- Meteorological analysis found unusually high temperatures at the collapse site, with average readings around 5°C between August 21 and 26.
- Scientists say the heat may have contributed to permafrost thaw and slope instability, but the direct cause of the collapse remains unproven.
- The analysis was led by Robert Rohde of Berkeley Earth using Copernicus climate data and high-altitude weather stations.
