Colombia’s Santa Isabel Glacier Nears Extinction After Losing 36% of Its Area
Colombia’s Santa Isabel glacier is nearing extinction after losing 36% of its glacier area in just over a year, according to the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM). The agency’s latest monitoring also found that the mountain’s highest point, once covered by ice, is now exposed rock. Santa Isabel is located in Los […]
Colombia's Santa Isabel Glacier, located in the Los Nevados National Natural Park, is on the brink of extinction after losing 36% of its area over the past year, according to the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM). The glacier, which was once part of The Conejeras Glacier on the Santa Isabel volcano, has seen its highest point exposed due to ice loss, with a further 2.9 meters (9.5 feet) of ice disappearing between July 2026.
This rapid retreat is attributed to the glacier's low altitude, reduced snowfall, and exposure to climate extremes, with Santa Isabel having lost about 99% of its historical extent since the 19th century.
Brief written by urgent.news from Colombia One's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
