Swiss glaciers record second-largest annual ice loss, experts say

Swiss glaciers lost 5.5% of their ice this year, making it the second-largest annual loss recorded, according to experts cited by ABC News US. The experts attributed the decline to heat waves and less snow. The supplied material did not identify the experts, specify the measurement period or provide details of the methods used to calculate the loss.

The reported figure indicates a substantial reduction in glacier ice over the year. No individual glacier, region or total volume of ice was identified in the material provided. The report links the loss to two weather-related factors: periods of unusually high heat and reduced snowfall.

Less snow can leave glacier surfaces with less protection, while heat can accelerate melting, but the supplied source does not provide further explanation of the process. The material also does not state how the reported loss compares with the largest annual decline, nor does it provide a longer-term series of measurements. No comments from Swiss authorities, researchers or other organisations were included.

The source information gives no details about possible effects on water supplies, tourism, hazards or nearby communities. The reported result was presented as an expert assessment and should therefore be attributed to those experts. Further information would be required to establish the precise geographic scope, timing and implications of the loss.