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Mont Blanc glacier is in danger

Paul Heymont 9/29/192:00 PM

For many people, climate change seems like a future threat that doesn't yet touch them directly, but for some it's become a front-page danger. Italian authorities have closed roads in the Mont Blanc area after scientists warned that a huge chunk of the Planpincieux Glacier could break off at any moment.

The glacier is on the Grande Jorasses peak, part of the Mont Blanc Massif, which includes Europe's highest mountain and straddles parts of Italy, Switzerland and France. The Fondazione Montagna Sicura (Safe Mountain Foundation) warned that an 8.8-million cubic foot piece of the ice is in danger and that the glacier is moving at a speed of up to 23 inches a day.

The foundation has been monitoring since 2013, and says that there is no way to predict when it could give way. Because it is in a temperate climate zone, it is subject to higher temperatures than glaciers in more northern or southern climates.

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