Archive · 31 May 2025
Black Carbon Warming Himalayan Snow, Study Finds
Imagine tiny black particles, like soot, floating in the air over the Himalayas.
These particles, called black carbon, are making the snow warmer.
This is because they absorb sunlight.
The warmer snow is causing glaciers to melt faster, which could cause problems for people who depend on the water from these glaciers.
While the snow is warming, surprisingly, the amount of snow is also increasing in certain areas.
Scientists are studying this to understand how to protect these crucial water sources.
Black carbon levels in the Himalayas have been rising over the past two decades.
Rising black carbon contributes to warmer snow, increasing the risk of unseasonal flooding.
The average snow-surface temperature has increased across the Himalayas.
Glacier melt is accelerating, threatening water resources for millions.
Snow depth increased during the study period, with regional variations.
- Who
- Climate Trends think-tank, researchers.
- What
- Study on rising black carbon and its impact on Himalayan snow and glaciers.
- When
- Study period: 2000-2023; Published May 31, 2025.
- Where
- Himalayas, Indo-Gangetic plain
- Why
- To understand the impact of black carbon on snow and glaciers.
Scientists
Environmentalists
Impact of Black Carbon
Scientists
The warming is likely driven by light-absorbing particles like black carbon.
Environmentalists
Black carbon is accelerating glacier melt.
- Region Studied
- Himalayas
- Study Period
- 2000-2023
- Snow Surface Temp. Increase
- From -11.27°C to -7.13°C
- Primary Black Carbon Source
- Indo-Gangetic plain