This study examines changes in glacier area, surface elevation, and ice mass in the European Alps between 2000 and 2014 using remote sensing techniques. Results show rapid glacier retreat (-39 km² a⁻¹) and regionally variable ice thickness changes (-0.5 to -0.9 m a⁻¹), with the strongest downwasting in the Swiss Glarus and Lepontine Alps. The total mass loss is estimated at 1.3 ± 0.2 Gt a⁻¹ (2000-2014). These findings highlight the significant impact of climate change on Alpine glaciers and their implications for water resources, risk assessment, and tourism.

Christian Sommer, Philipp Malz, Thorsten C. Seehaus, Stefan Lippl, Michael Zemp, Matthias H. Braun