TOMSK, Aug 15 – RIA Tomsk. Tomsk and Italian scientists are studying ticks and microorganisms in the Altai Mountains, sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations; the obtained data will allow to estimate the dynamics of melting of the Aktru glacier, the press service of Tomsk State University (TSU), whose employee participates in the project, said on Tuesday.
It is specified that the scientist of Biological Institute of TSU Andrey Babenko will study the species list of ticks and insects populating the earth's surface after the retreat of the Aktru glacier. In parallel to this, an Italian expert studying the ecosystems of the Arctic and Antarctic, Stefan Ventura will study microorganisms: they are the first to inhabit lifeless spaces exempted from ice.
"Assessing different biological indicators which are sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and humidity in the area, scientists will try to "catch" evidence of global climate change", – is said in the report.
The data collected during the project will help to assess the dynamics of glacier melting, to understand what changes in the environment may occur due to the reduction of ice cover. Scientists made the first sampling in July during an expedition to the Altai Mountains."While we are at the beginning of the road, as data is accumulated, it will be possible to analyze, identify trends in the melting of the glacier, try to understand what it caused and what are the possible consequences for the environment. It is interesting to compare the results obtained on the Maliy Aktru glacier with the data, available at Stefano Ventura on melting glaciers of Greenland and Scandinavia", – Babenko is quoted in the message.
According to researchers, recently the Maliy Aktru glacier has been moving back to 57-60 meters per year. Perhaps this year will be put "anti-record": its reduction can make be about 100 meters.