Glacier Vault: Preserving Mountain glacier Samples
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A sanctuary dedicated to preserving samples from mountain glaciers has been established in Switzerland, aiming to safeguard these vital records of climate change for future generations. The initiative, known as the Glacier Vault, is located deep within the Gotthard Base Tunnel and began operations in September 2023.
The Need for Glacier Preservation
Glaciers serve as crucial archives of past climate conditions,containing trapped air bubbles and particles that provide insights into atmospheric composition and environmental changes over centuries. As glaciers melt at an accelerating rate due to global warming, this valuable information is being lost.The Glacier Vault seeks to mitigate this loss by collecting and storing glacier ice cores and meltwater samples.
According to the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment, Swiss glaciers lost 10% of their volume in 2023 alone, the second-largest loss ever recorded. Swiss Glaciers Melted Ten Percent in 2023
Location and Infrastructure
The Glacier vault is situated within the Gotthard Base Tunnel, a 57-kilometer railway tunnel thru the Swiss alps. This location was chosen for its consistent sub-zero temperatures – around -8°C (17.6°F) – and secure environment, providing ideal conditions for long-term sample preservation. The vault is operated by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL).
The vault’s infrastructure includes specialized freezers and storage facilities designed to maintain the integrity of the glacier samples.The facility is designed to withstand potential disruptions, ensuring the long-term security of the collection. Glacier Vault opens in Gotthard base Tunnel
Entities Involved
Several key entities are involved in the Glacier Vault project:
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape research (WSL): WSL is the primary operator and scientific lead for the Glacier Vault.
- Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN): FOEN provides funding and supports the project as part of Switzerland’s climate monitoring efforts.
- Gotthard Base Tunnel: The infrastructure of the Gotthard Base Tunnel provides the necessary environmental conditions for preservation.
- Glaciologists and Climate Scientists: Researchers from various institutions contribute samples and expertise to the vault.
Sample Collection and Usage
The Glacier Vault currently holds samples from over 20 glaciers across Switzerland, including the Rhône Glacier, the Theodul Glacier, and the Corvatsch Glacier. Samples include ice cores, meltwater, and snow. These samples are available to researchers worldwide for analysis, allowing for a deeper understanding of past climate conditions and the impacts of climate change.
In November 2023, researchers from ETH Zurich used samples from the Glacier Vault to analyze ancient air bubbles, revealing atmospheric conditions dating back centuries. Glacier Vault provides insights into past climate
Future Expansion and Goals
The WSL plans to expand the Glacier Vault’s capacity to accommodate samples from glaciers across the Alps and beyond. The long-term goal is to create a thorough archive of glacier ice, serving as a critical resource for climate research and informing future climate mitigation strategies. The project also aims to raise public awareness about the importance of glacier preservation and the urgency of addressing climate change.
