Study says most Mount Everest area glaciers could disappear by 2100

The glaciers surrounding Mount Everest, one of the most iconic mountains in the world, are at risk of nearly disappearing by the dawn of the next century.

An investigation into their probable longevity was lead by a glacier hydrologist for the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development in Nepal.

The results, which are based on both historic data and potential future scenarios, suggest in the coming decades the rate of glacier loss will be between roughly 39 and 52 percent.

By the year 2100, it's estimated between 70 to 99 percent of the mass could very well be gone. The issue is largely due to greenhouse gasses and their effect on the region's temperatures.

It's predicted if the levels continue to rise enough warming will spur excessive melting.

That's not just bad news for the glaciers. The millions of people who rely on the rivers fed by the icy masses will have both their food sources and livelihoods impacted.

One of the researchers advises that the team's results be taken cautiously, as a number of uncertainties remain.