The battle for Sweden's highest peak

"There is now a difference of less than three metres between the south and the north peaks. It is difficult to predict when the northern tip will become Sweden's highest peak for the first time; it depends on what happens with the winter and summer weather in the future. But with the current trend, it is possible that will occur within a few years," says Gunhild Rosqvist, professor at Stockholm University and director of Tarfala Research Centre.

 

Kebnekaise south peak consists of a small glacier, which means that the height changes in accord with glacial growth and retreat. The north peak, on the other hand, is solid rock. The south peak has decreased in height by an average of one metre per year over the last eighteen years, though the height varies between years.

 

"The variation in the height of the south peak is determined by the amount of winter snow that accumulates and how much snow and ice melts during the summer, which in turn is due to the summer temperature and melt season length. This summer has been long and hot. Last year was more snowy with a colder summer, which meant that the peak was higher when compared with the year before," says Gunhild Rosqvist.

 

The first height measurement of the south peak was performed by P.G. Rosen in 1902. The peak was measured at 2,121 metres above sea level. Today, researchers at Tarfala Research measure the melting of glaciers at Kebnekaise in the same way at the end of each summer season.

 

The height of the south peak over the last five years:

Gunhild Rosqvist, professor at Stockholm University and director of Tarfala Research Station

Email: gunhild.rosqvist@natgeo.su.se

Phone: +46 (0) 702 29 34 04