Researchers from Nanjing University are testing a material that protects snow and ice arrays from sunlight. The tests took place on the Dagu glacier at an altitude of 4.8 km above sea level, TASS reports.
Covering glaciers with rolls of reflective material is not a new idea. This has been done at ski resorts in Europe for almost 20 years. However, researchers from China are making the method of combating global warming more technologically advanced.
The film is made of cellulose acetate. This is a natural fiber that is obtained from plants. The substance can also be sprayed as an aerosol from drones in hard-to-reach areas.
Previous tests have shown that the material reduces melting by 50%-70%. The results of the new test on the Dagu Glacier will be announced in the fall. Scientists expect that the reflection rate of sunlight will be more than 93%.
Alex Shishlo for Rough&Polished
