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Deep in the state of Sierra Nevada, enormous ice formations are disappearing and projected to melt away entirely by the beginning of the next century, leaving ice-free peaks for the first time in human history, new research has discovered.

Ancient Origins of Sierra Nevada Glaciers

The mountain range’s glaciers are more ancient than previously known, tracing back many thousands of years, with some as ancient as the most recent glacial period, according to a report published last week.

“Our pieced-together ice age record shows that a coming ice-free Sierra Nevada is without precedent in the history of humankind since known settlement of the Americas ~20,000 years ago,” the article declares.

Worldwide Risk to Ice Formations

Ice masses globally are under threat during the climate emergency. A study published in the month of May of this year found that almost forty percent of glaciers are destined to melt because of global heating. If this warming rises by 2.7 degrees Celsius, which the world is presently on track for, as up to seventy-five percent will disappear, leading to ocean level increase and mass displacement.

Throughout the American west, ice formations have diminished significantly since they were initially recorded in the late 19th century, according to the report.

Focus on Major Glaciers

The new research centers on several Sierra Nevada glaciers – the Conness, Maclure, Lyell and Palisade ice sheets – that are among the biggest and likely oldest in the range. Their durability amid climate warming makes them “indicators” for studying ice loss in the west, the study notes.

Research Methods and Findings

Scientists looked at recently exposed base rock around the ice formations and collected specimens to ascertain how extensively the area was covered by glacial ice. They determined that the glaciers have covered large areas of the range for much longer than earlier believed – since before people occupied North America.

California’s glaciers attained their maximum positions as long ago as 30,000 years ago, the article’s authors stated, and one of the glaciers experts looked at is believed to have expanded 7,000 years ago, sooner than previously believed. The loss of ice formations, for the first time in recorded history, demonstrates the dramatic impacts of the climate crisis, a researcher of the study said.

Ecological and Symbolic Consequences

“We’ll be the initial ones to see the glacier-less summits,” said Andrew Jones, the study’s lead author. “This has environmental implications for flora and fauna. And it’s a symbolic loss. Climate change is highly intangible, but these glaciers are tangible. They’re iconic features of the American West.”