An avalanche buried an Italian resort on Wednesday, leaving at least 30 people trapped inside and scores likely dead. Officials link the immediate cause to earthquakes in central Italy. But scientists say there's another reason that snow slides are becoming more common: climate change.
Avalanches are caused by a combination of geological factors (like the incline of a mountain or natural events like earthquakes), weather and the structure of the snow. Warmer weather can weaken a mountain's snow pack and make it more difficult for the layers of snow to stick together. Mix in another element, like particularly gusty wind or trembling earth, and you've got a mountain primed for avalanche.
Experts have been aware of this phenomenon for a while. One study found that recent changes in climate have affected the quality of mountain snow cover, which has led to more frequent avalanches and more severe ones, too. Norwegian researchers also found a link between climate change and avalanches; they're working on a plan to alleviate the worst impacts of this on roads. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned that warming temperatures have destabilized mountain climates, leading to more avalanches, melting glaciers and more intense storms.
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