Mount Everest glaciers are retreating rapidly, researchers say

Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain, is shedding its snow and ice, says new research.

A study from Italy has found that glaciers around the mountain have retreated by 13 percent in the last 50 years.

The snowline of the mountain has moved up 590 feet.

The team of researchers observed changes in precipitation levels, temperatures and the glaciers themselves to reach their findings.

The researchers caution that they do not have evidence that links global warming to the phenomenon but suspect it's the cause.

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Previous studies say that the shrinking glaciers in some parts of the Himalayas are due to climate change.

National Geographic reported that the finding is no surprise to climbers who have seen the glaciers and snowlines shrinking firsthand.

"And the last eight years in the Central Himalaya have been especially dry. Is it warmer temperatures, or less snow, or some combination? I don't know, but it's just melting out up there," climber Conrad Anker told National Geographic.

Mount Everest straddles Nepal and China and is nearly 30,000 feet tall.