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Far in the state of Sierra mountain range, massive glaciers are disappearing and projected to melt away completely by the start of the next century, leaving ice-free peaks for the first time in recorded human existence, new research has discovered.

Age-Old Beginnings of Sierra Range Glaciers

The mountain range’s glaciers are more ancient than previously known, dating back tens of thousands of years, with a few as old as the last ice age, according to a report published recently.

“Our pieced-together glacial history shows that a coming ice-free Sierra Nevada is without precedent in human history since known peopling of the Americas ~20,000 years ago,” the study states.

Worldwide Risk to Ice Formations

Glaciers globally are under threat amid the climate emergency. A research released in May of the current year determined that almost forty percent of glaciers are destined to melt because of climate warming. If such heating increases by 2.7 degrees Celsius, which the planet is currently on course for, as up to 75% will vanish, leading to sea level rise and large-scale relocation.

Across the Western United States, ice formations have shrunk substantially since they were initially recorded in the 1800s, according to the article.

Focus on Major Ice Bodies

The recent study focuses on several Sierra Nevada glacial masses – the Palisade, Lyell, Maclure and Conness glaciers – that are some of the largest and probably oldest in the mountain chain. Their longevity amid climate warming makes them “indicators” for examining ice loss in the west, the article notes.

Research Methods and Findings

Researchers examined recently exposed base rock around the glaciers and took samples to ascertain how long the region was covered by glacial ice. They determined that the glaciers have covered swaths of the range for much longer than previously known – since prior to people inhabited North America.

The state's glaciers reached their maximum positions as long ago as 30,000 years ago, the article’s authors stated, and a particular of the ice bodies experts studied is believed to have expanded 7,000 years ago, earlier than previously believed. The disappearance of glaciers, for the initial time in recorded history, shows the profound impacts of the climate crisis, a researcher of the investigation said.

Ecological and Symbolic Impact

“We’ll be the initial ones to see the ice-free peaks,” said the study's lead researcher, the principal investigator. “This has ecological ramifications for plants and animals. And it’s a symbolic loss. Global warming is highly intangible, but these glaciers are concrete. They’re iconic features of the American West.”