Glacier lakes 'dangerously' growing at Everest

Saturday, November 28, 2015, 6:32 PM - The lakes that have formed near Mount Everest could posed a threats to nearby communities if they continue to grow.

In the Himalaways, on the surface of the Khumbu glaciers, tarns or glacier lakes like the one featured in the video above have been forming. As of late, they have been expanding and merging into larger lakes.

The Khumbu glacier, including the infamous Khumbu Icefall, is part of the path climbers cross to reach the peak of Mount Everest.

Experts are now warning that the glacier is melting at an accelerated rate and the overflow could eventually lead to flooding endangering those that are caught downstream of it.

After the Earthquake

Scientists made these discoveries after visiting the sector for the first time since a powerful earthquake struck the region earlier this year.

"A decade or so ago, there were individual ponds on the Khumbu glacier but in the past five years or so they have begun to get larger and join up," Ann Rowan told the BBC. "Particularly, on the left hand side of the lower reaches of the glacier, there is a series of about seven or eight large ponds that are now starting to link and form a big chain."

Dr. Rowan's team has been studying the area, looking at pictures of the site since the year 2000 as well as field visits for the last six years.

Source: BBC