Dust Is Latest Threat to Snow in Western North America
A new study by Colorado University has determined that the levels of airborne dust in the state have increased by 500% over the past 200 years. The report’s authors blame human activity for the trend.
The study was carried out by a team led by Assistant Professor Jason Neff of the university’s environmental studies program, who told local media that increasing dust levels can increase allergic reactions and respiratory illness.
For ski resorts the dust blown on to snowy mountains has apparently accelerated snowmelt by up to a month over the past two centuries.
Most of the research took place in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado and was completed in collaboration with experts from Cornell University, the University of Arizona and the Center of Snow and Avalanche Studies.
Although the large amount of dust in Western North America is a cause for concern, the authors believe that there is nothing that can be done about it.
Courtesy of and © Snow24 plc
