As Swiss glaciers continue to retreat, researchers in the Alps are testing whether an overlooked agricultural byproduct could help protect sections of ice from summer melting. The “Keep It Wool” project, led by the Summit Foundation and the University of Lausanne, is using sheep’s wool as an alternative to synthetic geotextile covers on parts of Glacier 3000. Glacier operators have traditionally placed reflective tarpaulins over small areas of snow and ice during the warmer months. The covers reduce the amount of sunlight and heat absorbed by the surface, slowing the rate of melting. However, many are made from plastic-based materials that can shed microfibers into the environment. #Science #Climate #Switzerland