Scientists have noted that when high temperatures hit high-altitude ice masses, ‘katabatic’ winds are triggered that blow cold air to lower-altitude areas.
A temperature gap is created between the air flowing above the mountains and the cooler air directly in contact with ice masses.
This leads to an increase in turbulent heat exchange at the glacier’s surface and stronger cooling of the surface air mass.
As the warm air gets cooler and denser, it sinks, triggering the katabatic winds in neighbouring areas down the slope.
While this phenomenon may slow down the effects of global warming in some areas, its sustainability is not guaranteed over the coming decades.