Most of Switzerland's glaciers in the Alps have continued to melt away. (File photo)

    GENEVA, Feb. 8 (Xinhuanet) -- Most of Switzerland's glaciers in the Alps have continued to melt away, according to measurements published on Wednesday by the Swiss Academy of Sciences.

    Researchers said the results showed that glaciers were suffering from the effects of warmer and drier weather over the past years.

    "The measurements show long-term trends," said Andreas Bauder of the Academy's glaciology commission. "Glaciers react to climate change, and warmer temperatures in the Alps are reflected in the results."

    Last year, 84 of the 91 glaciers studied got smaller, while the seven remaining ones did not change. These measurements confirm the results of previous studies, which clearly showed most Swiss glaciers shrinking.

    The Trift glacier in central Switzerland was once again top of the list, losing 216 meters in length, while the Aletsch glacier in canton Valais, the longest in Europe, was 66 meters shorter.

    The researchers who surveyed the Trift said the lake surrounding the glacier's snout had accelerated its meltdown.

    "The lake helps the glacier calve off chunks of ice," Bauder told reporters. "There is also the heat from the lake that speeds up meltdown."

    There are around 1,800 glaciers in Switzerland. The measurement project included the 91 biggest ones.

    Glaciers are large masses of snow, ice and rock debris that accumulate in great quantities and begin to flow outward and downward under the pressure of their own weight.

    They are formed when yearly snowfall in a region far exceeds the amount of snow and ice that melts in a given summer.

    In Switzerland, glaciers play an important role as water reservoirs for hydro-power production (generating 50 percent of the country's electricity).

    They are an important attraction for tourists. Enditem