Mystery: Why Does Mount Everest Make Terrifying Noises at Night? Click to learn more
Mystery: Why Does Mount Everest Make Terrifying Noises at Night? Click to learn more
Mount Everest, with its grandeur and allure, has not only captivated climbers but also scientists and adventurers for generations.
Yet, one of its mysteries managed to evade exploration for the longest time. This mystery involves eerie sounds heard from the glaciers surrounding the mountain’s summit after nightfall, adding an unsettling dimension to its already formidable reputation.
In 2018, a team of researchers led by glaciologist Evgeny Podolskiy from the Arctic Research Center at Hokkaido University embarked on a pioneering expedition to the Nepalese Himalayas. Their mission was to unravel the enigma of these haunting nocturnal sounds. The team set up camp amid the majestic Trakarding-Trambau Glacier system, situated around 3 miles above sea level and in clear view of Everest, braving bone-chilling temperatures to carry out their investigations.
While staying in the area, Dr. Podolskiy and his colleagues directly encountered the unsettling phenomenon. Renowned expedition leader Dave Hahn, with 15 Everest ascents to his name, vividly portrayed the disconcerting experience of listening to the chaotic symphony of ice and rock cascading in the valley beneath, posing a considerable hurdle to peaceful sleep.
To understand the source of these terrifying noises, the researchers deployed seismic sensors similar to those used to measure earthquakes. Their meticulous data collection revealed a remarkable correlation between the chilling drop in temperature after sundown and the explosive sounds of cracking ice.
They gathered seismic vibration data and compared it to wind and temperature data in order to demonstrate a clear link between temperature fluctuations and nocturnal noise, according to the report. Their findings, published in the esteemed journal Geophysical Research Letters, shed light on the intricate relationship between temperature fluctuations and seismic activity within glaciers.
This groundbreaking research not only deepens our understanding of glacial dynamics but also highlights the profound impact of climate change on these delicate ecosystems.
As global temperatures rise, glaciers in remote regions like the Himalayas face unprecedented challenges. The rapid rate of glacial melt not only threatens local communities with the risk of catastrophic floods but also jeopardizes water security for millions downstream.
The Himalayan region, often referred to as the ‘Third Pole’ due to its vast freshwater reserves, is experiencing accelerated glacial melt due to anthropogenic climate change. Dr. Podolskiy’s work contributes vital insights into the behaviour of Himalayan glaciers, informing efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on water resources and disaster risk management.
As the urgency of climate action becomes increasingly apparent, the need to preserve these invaluable natural resources grows ever more critical. Dr. Podolskiy’s research serves as a poignant reminder of the profound interconnectedness between human activity and the fragile ecosystems upon which we depend.
Only through concerted global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions can we hope to safeguard the future of our planet and its majestic glaciers.
