Scientists in a new study published in a new paper published in ISME Communications, have recently discovered unprecedented high carbon losses in Laohugou Glacier No. 12 located in Tibetan Plateau on the northern part of the Himalayas Mountain region.
The carbon loss findings are reportedly based on the depletion of carbon dioxide in the icy structure's carbon sink, considered by the new research to be closely related to microbial activities and soil developments along the glacier forelands.
The new discovery sheds light on the warming planet's expanding impact, which is taking a toll event in areas leaning towards the equator. The invisible line around the center of the Earth includes countries and regions, Tibetan Plateau, where the climate is relatively warmer.
Another study had also suggested that the world’s glaciers may contain less water than previously believed, suggesting that freshwater supplies could peak sooner than anticipated for millions of people worldwide who depend on glacial melt for drinking water, crop irrigation and everyday use.
The Tibetan plateau, which holds the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) ice sheet, is known as the world's “Third Pole.” It holds the largest number of glaciers and snow after the Arctic and Antarctic. The Tibetan plateau has more than 46,000 glaciers, 14.5 percent of the world's total.
By Team TRC