Expert Warns: Summer Trips to Ice Caves "Unacceptable"
Ice Caves Pose Significant Dangers to Visitors
An expert has issued a stern warning about the dangers of visiting ice caves during the summer months.
Dr. Sarah Dumitriu, a glaciologist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, said that the melting ice in ice caves makes them extremely unstable.
"The ice is much weaker in the summer, and there is a high risk of collapse," said Dumitriu.
Melted Ice Causes Structural Instability
The melting ice in ice caves causes the structural integrity of the cave to weaken dramatically.
As the ice melts, it creates pools of water that can undermine the ice walls and cause them to collapse.
This can result in serious injuries or even death.
Ice Cave Deaths Have Been Reported
There have been several reported deaths in ice caves in recent years.
In 2017, a 21-year-old man died after falling through the ice in an ice cave in Iceland.
In 2018, a 32-year-old woman died after being struck by falling ice in an ice cave in Switzerland.
Expert Urges Avoiding Cave Exploration
Dr. Dumitriu urges people to avoid exploring ice caves during the summer months.
"It is simply too dangerous," she said.
If you are considering visiting an ice cave, be sure to do so during the winter months when the ice is more stable.
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