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Source: ABC News

Context

Recently, a significant portion of the Birch Glacier in Switzerland was responsible for the destruction of a town in the Alpine region.

About Birch Glacier

The Birch Glacier is located in the Swiss Alps' Lotschental Valley. Since 2000, Swiss glaciers have lost roughly 40% of their volume, with record temperatures in 2022-2023 accounting for 10% of the loss.

Location

It is located in the Lötschental valley in northern Switzerland.

Reason for Collapse

• The glacier's instability was caused by a cascading calamity, which included huge debris loads, permafrost thawing, and rising temperatures. 
• Over the last ten to fifteen years, the region's permafrost has warmed by at least one degree Celsius, loosening rocks and increasing the frequency of falls.
• The collapse harmed the River Lonza, raising the possibility of floods due to debris.

About the Swiss Alps: The Swiss Alps are to the south of the Swiss Plateau. It has historically functioned as a natural barrier between northern and southern Europe, with mountain passes offering important commercial routes, particularly those connecting Italy to the north.

About Alps: The Alps are Europe's highest and most widespread mountain range (fold mountain), encompassing eight countries: France, Switzerland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, Slovenia, and Monaco. Mont Blanc, located on the boundary between France and Italy, is the tallest peak.

Source: News