Chinese researchers have successfully reduced the melting rate of glaciers by over 80% by covering their surfaces with biodegradable nanofilms. In some experimental areas, the glacier surface has risen by more than 10 centimeters over six years.
According to the state-run Global Times on October 27, a research team from Nanjing University has been conducting glacier protection experiments using reflective cooling nanofilms at the Dagu Glacier in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province since 2022. The team has installed approximately 10,000 square meters of nanofilm, reporting an over 80% reduction in glacier melt in the experimental area. The focus of the study is on Glacier No. 17, the largest single glacier in the Dagu area, covering about 0.17 square kilometers. The protective film is installed before the summer melting season begins in May and is removed by the end of September, before the snowfall season starts.
The Nanjing University team developed materials that reflect sunlight and release heat using nanoradiation technology. The film reduces the solar energy absorbed by the glacier while allowing surface heat to escape, thereby slowing the melting process. The materials are biodegradable, which helps reduce environmental pollution, and some can be recovered and reused after the experiment, according to the research team. Preliminary results indicate that in some areas where the protective film was applied, the glacier surface rose by more than 10 centimeters over six years.
Previously, in 2020, researchers began protective experiments at the Dagu Glacier. A team led by Wang Feitong from the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources at the Chinese Academy of Sciences applied snow preservation technology used in the Beijing Winter Olympics by covering the glacier surface with white geotextiles. That experiment resulted in a roughly 70% reduction in glacier melt in the protected area. The Nanjing University team improved the technology by introducing reflective cooling nanofilms in 2022.
However, applying the protective film to large glaciers requires significant costs and manpower for material transport, installation, and recovery, making it challenging in hard-to-reach areas. Experts emphasize that while this technology can buy time to slow glacier melting and protect water resources and alpine ecosystems, the fundamental solution for glacier preservation lies in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating global warming.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.