![]() As a result, communities downstream lose this valuable additional source of water. After the turning point, this additional water decreases steadily as the glacier continues to shrink, and eventually stops when the glacier has disappeared, or retreated to higher elevations where it is still cold enough for the glacier to survive. This excess water can be used in different ways, such as for hydropower or irrigation. Peak water runoff from glaciers can exceed the amount of initial yearly runoff by 50% or more. However, there will be a turning point after several years or decades, often called ‘peak water’, after which glacier runoff and hence its contribution to river flow downstream will decline (FAQ 2.1 Figure 1a). At first, glacier runoff increases because the glacier melts faster and more water flows downhill from the glacier. ![]() As glaciers shrink in response to a warmer climate, water is released from long-term glacial storage. Melting glaciers can affect river runoff, and thus freshwater resources available to human communities, not only close to the glacier but also far from mountain areas. However, as the glacier shrinks, the water supply will diminish and farms, villages and cities might lose a valuable water source. At first, as the glacier melts, more water runs downhill away from the glacier. Rising temperatures cause mountain glaciers to melt and change the water availability. Glaciers supply water that supports human communities both close to the glacier and far away from the glacier, for example for agriculture or drinking water. ![]() Pasang Yangjee Sherpa (Nepal, United States)įAQ 2.1: How does glacier shrinkage affect river runoff further downhill?. ![]()
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