The glaciers in the Swiss Alps have melted more than ever this year, according to scientists.

Due to the low snowfall in winter and the persistent heat waves insummer, around three cubic kilometres of ice were lost, an expertcommission of the Swiss Academy of Sciences reported on Wednesday.

This corresponds to more than 6% of the glacier volume.

Climate change has meant that less snow is falling at lower altitudesin recent years, while the melting period is beginning ever earlierin the year.

According to the Academy, the snow cover that protects the glaciersfrom the sun was thinner than ever last spring.

In addition, there were large amounts of Saharan dust between Marchand June. The dust-covered snow therefore absorbed more solar energyand melted faster, they said.

The intense summer heat then further damaged the ice.

On average, the Swiss glaciers lost 3 metres in thickness this year,according to the measurements.

Smaller glaciers such as the Pizol glacier, the Vadret dal Corvatschand the Schwarzbachfirn have now practically disappeared, the academyreported. Measurements have therefore been stopped there.