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Far in the state of Sierra Nevada, massive ice formations are vanishing and projected to dissolve entirely by the start of the next century, resulting in summits without glaciers for the first time in recorded human existence, recent studies has found.

Age-Old Beginnings of Sierra Nevada Ice Masses

The range's ice sheets are more ancient than previously known, dating back tens of thousands of years, with some as old as the last ice age, according to an article published last week.

“Our reconstructed glacial history indicates that a coming ice-free Sierra Nevada is without precedent in the history of humankind since known settlement of the Americas around twenty thousand years ago,” the article declares.

Worldwide Threat to Glaciers

Glaciers globally are at risk amid the climate emergency. A study published in May of this year found that almost forty percent of glaciers are destined to thaw because of climate warming. If this warming rises by 2.7 degrees Celsius, which the planet is presently on track for, as up to 75% will disappear, leading to ocean level increase and mass displacement.

Across the American west, glaciers have diminished significantly since they were initially recorded in the late 19th century, according to the report.

Focus on Key Glaciers

The new research focuses on four Sierra Nevada glacial masses – the Conness, Maclure, Lyell and Palisade ice sheets – that are some of the biggest and probably oldest in the range. Their longevity during climate warming makes them “indicators” for studying glacier disappearance in the west, the study states.

Research Methods and Findings

Scientists examined recently exposed base rock around the glaciers and took samples to ascertain how long the region was covered by ice. They found that the glaciers have enveloped large areas of the range for much longer than earlier believed – since before humans inhabited North America.

California’s glaciers reached their maximum positions as long ago as 30,000 years ago, the study's researchers stated, and a particular of the ice bodies researchers looked at is thought to have grown 7,000 years ago, earlier than once thought. The disappearance of glaciers, for the initial time in recorded history, shows the profound impacts of the climate crisis, a researcher of the study said.

Ecological and Symbolic Consequences

“We’ll be the initial ones to witness the ice-free peaks,” said the study's lead researcher, the principal investigator. “This has ecological ramifications for plants and animals. And it’s a representational decline. Global warming is highly intangible, but these ice masses are tangible. They’re iconic features of the American West.”