Contemporary Shrinking of Colombia's Highest Mountains: Pico Simon Bolivar and Pico Cristobal Colon

TL;DR

This study re-surveyed Colombia's highest peaks, Pico Cristobal Colon and Pico Simon Bolivar, revealing significant icecap melting since 1939 and establishing Simon Bolivar as the highest mountain due to climate change effects.

Contribution

The paper provides the first precise GPS-based re-survey of these peaks since 1939, updating their elevations and highlighting climate-induced icecap shrinkage.

Findings

Simon Bolivar is now higher than Cristobal Colon.

Icecaps on both peaks have shrunk by over 50 meters since 1939.

Climate change is driving the melting of the peaks' icecaps.

Abstract

Pico Cristobal Colon and Pico Simon Bolivar are the highest peaks in Colombia and were last accurately surveyed in 1939. This historical survey measured Cristobal Colon, Colombia's recognized highpoint, at 5775m and Simon Bolivar at 5773m. Both peaks have permanent icecaps at their summits. For this study, multiple differential GPS units and an Abney level were used to re-survey each peak with sub-meter vertical accuracy. As of December 2024, the elevation of Simon Bolivar was 5720.42m +/- 0.08m and Cristobal Colon was 5712.79m +/- 0.87m. These measurements indicate that the ice caps of both peaks have shrunk dramatically since 1939: Simon Bolivar by 53m and of Cristobal Colon by 62m. Contrary to official recognition, Pico Simon Bolivar is now the highest mountain in Colombia. Increasing local temperatures suggest that the icecap melting of both peaks is due to climate change.