By Alex
Located in the Alps, the Matterhorn is almost a symbol of Switzerland. However, experts have found that with global warming, signs of melting have appeared in the permanent permafrost at the core of the mountain. As a result, the Matterhorn could lose its iconic appearance.
▲(photo by falconp4 @Pixabay)
The permanent permafrost at the core of the Matterhorn is melting and thinning, which means its ice cap is also retreating. It’s like a Stracciatella ice cream—when the ice cream melts, the chocolate chips start to fall off. Last month, a team of scientists from ETH Zurich installed 50 motion sensors at an altitude of 3,962 meters on the mountain to help guides more accurately assess the risk of rockfalls.
Experts indicate that while there is currently no immediate danger of collapse or cracking, over time, the mountain’s appearance may change.
Standing at 4,478 meters, the Matterhorn is one of the most famous peaks in the world, and many climbers are eager to conquer it. But as the mountain’s core begins to melt, the risk of landslides increases, making climbing the peak more dangerous than ever.
According to records, around 300 to 400 people attempt to summit the peak each year with the help of guides, while another 3,500 climbers aim to reach the summit without them. Of the latter group, about 65% typically give up partway due to exhaustion or difficulty adjusting to altitude sickness.
Source: Mail Online