• UGI USER
  • May 09, 2024
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THE GLACIER, ONE OF COLOMBIA’S HIGHEST PEAKS,SHOULD BE SNOW-COVERED; EXPOSED DUE TO MELTING

Why in the news?

Melting glaciers in Colombia’s El Cocuy National Natural Park due to severe El Niño phenomenon, revealing massive crevasses.

About Glacier Melting in Colombia:

  • Ritacuba Blanco glacier in Colombia’s El Cocuy National Natural Park, typically covered in snow, is experiencing significant melting.
  • The melting is attributed to a severe El Niño phenomenon, causing the glacier to lose its snow cover.
  • The exposed glacier now reveals massive crevasses, altering its appearance drastically.
source:researchgate
 

About El Cocuy National Park:

Geography:

Situated in Boyacá Department, Colombia, near El Cocuy and Güicán villages.

Geology:

El Cocuy National Park showcases post-glacial geological features due to its high altitude despite its equatorial location.

Features include steep slopes, cirques, moraines, and glacier-gouged lakes like La Pintada and La Cuadrada.

Current Events:

Climate change threatens the park’s glacial heritage, with historic icefields shrinking and expected to vanish within decades.