Swiss Passport

Question 271 of 350 · Landscape and climate

Why are the glaciers in Switzerland getting smaller?

Warum werden die Gletscher in der Schweiz kleiner?

Correct answer: A

  1. Abecause of climate changewegen dem Klimawandel
  2. Bbecause of the many tourists in the mountainswegen den vielen Touristen in den Bergen
  3. Cbecause they are used for ski raceswegen der Benutzung für die Ski-Rennen
  4. Dbecause of the heavy rain in summerwegen dem vielen Regen im Sommer

Why

Climate change is making temperatures rise. In summer more ice melts than is added in winter, so the glaciers are getting smaller.

Common mistakes

B: because of the many tourists in the mountains
Tourists hardly change the glaciers. The decisive factor is the heat.
D: because of the heavy rain in summer
Rain is not the main reason. The ice melts mainly because of the higher temperatures.

Topic

Föhn, climate change and spatial planning

Switzerland has typical winds. The Föhn is a warm and dry wind from the south. The air rises on the south side of the Alps and loses its rain there. On the north side it drops down into the valley and becomes warm. The Bise, on the other hand, is a cold wind from the north-east.

Switzerland at a glance · Landscape and climate

Sources

Official question of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.