Why in news?
Researchers reported that glaciers on Mount Cilo in southeastern Turkey have lost nearly 50% of their ice cover over the past four decades. The dramatic melting is driven by climate change and recurring heatwaves.
About Mount Cilo
- Location: Mount Cilo is Turkey’s second‑highest peak at 4,135 metres. It lies in the Yüksekova district of Hakkâri Province near the Iraq border and forms part of the East Taurus Mountains.
- Landscape: The mountain and its surrounding massif stretch about 30 kilometres, characterised by sharp ridges, steep limestone cliffs, deep gorges and glacial valleys. The area was designated a national park in 2020.
Evidence of glacial retreat
- Ice blocks are breaking off and feeding torrents and waterfalls more intensely than in the past.
- Visual surveys indicate that continuous snow and ice cover has halved since the 1980s.
- Scientists warn that melting glaciers are altering water cycles in the region and could lead to water shortages.
Climate extremes
- Southeastern Turkey has experienced record‑breaking heatwaves. The town of Silopi, about 200 kilometres from Cilo, recorded a temperature of 50.5°C in July 2025.
- Climate models project that the region could see a 5–6°C temperature rise and a 30% decrease in rainfall by 2100 if emissions are not curtailed.
The retreat of Cilo’s glaciers underscores the urgency of climate action. Similar patterns are observed in mountain ranges worldwide, threatening water security and ecological stability.