Iceland’s Glaciers Have Shrunk Significantly

Satellite images from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) show that there has been a staggering decrease in the ice capping Mýrdalsjökull and Eyjafjallajökull since 1986, reports the Weather Network.

The ice caps are located over two active volcanoes, Mýrdalsjökull, the larger cap in the pictures below, and Eyjafjallajökull, the smaller cap to the left.

The dull and grey ice left behind in the 2014 image is a result of volcanic ash from previous eruptions that have become visible due to years of receding ice.

“More than 40 years of Landsat [satellite] observations have allowed many of the Earth’s glaciers to be accurately mapped, and changes to these features are being monitored over time,” a statement from the USGS read.

Scientists are keeping a close eye on the region which is probably for the best as there might not be much left to see in the coming future.