Webcam to gauge climate change effects on Mt. Everest

Even as we continue with our daily routine, we are subtly aware of the climate that is constantly changing. Attempts have been made in the past to gauge the changes in the climatic conditions, but haven’t not been really fruitful. Now, an attempt to study the effects of climatic change on the world’s highest point - Mt. Everest (8,848 meters) has gained popularity. A webcam, developed by a Germany-based surveillance firm, Mobotix has been set up at Kalapathhar, a base camp close to Mt. Everest, which stands at an altitude of 5,675 meters. Such close proximity to the mountain, will help researchers gauge the effects of climate change with precision. 

A glimpse of the Mt. Everest captured using the webcam at 17:08

The webcam, itself is powered by solar energy and operates during the day. Beginning operations in September, the camera can, reportedly withstand temperatures as harsh as minus 30 degrees. The images, like the one seen above are a result of a live feed which is active from 6 am to 6 pm Nepalese time. The live images sent in by the webcam will be wirelessly transmitted to Ev-K2-CNR Pyramid Laboratory, which will then be studied by scientists from Italy, the ones behind the entire project. 

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By the end of the study, the scientists hope to get a clear picture of how much effect climate change on the highest peak has. To view the live webcam feeds, click here.