Canadian glaciers nearly 40 percent thicker than initially thought, according to researchers
12/08/2020 / By Virgilio Marin
A study published in the Journal of Glaciology shows that the glaciers in Canada’s portion of the Columbia Basin are nearly 40 percent thicker than previously thought. Researchers from the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) and the University of Innsbruck arrived at their findings by using ice-penetrating radar to measure the thickness of the glaciers.
The research marks the first major effort to study the Columbia Basin’s glaciers. The researchers said that more studies on Canada’s glaciers are needed especially as these are vital sources of hydropower and freshwater.
Glaciers thicker than previously thought
The Columbia River produces more than 40 percent of hydroelectricity in the United States and serves as a vital downstream source of freshwater and an important habitat for aquatic ecosystems. Meanwhile, the Canadian portion of the upper basin provides 30 to 40 percent of the total freshwater runoff.
https://www.climate.news/2020-12-08-canadian-glaciers-nearly-40-percent-thicker.html#
