Climate Change I: Europe's Shrinking Alpine Glaciers

The prominent, terrace-like outcrop, called the "Platta" in the middle of the frame marks the high mark of the Great Aletsch Glacier in the 1850's. Now the outcrop towers above the current level of the glacier. The dark line on the opposite side of the valley, where vegetation growth begins, also marks the former high mark for the glacier at the same elevation. The Great Aletsch Glacier is shrinking quickly due to global warming. It receded 4 meters from June until late July 2011,...
more »

The prominent, terrace-like outcrop, called the "Platta" in the middle of the frame marks the high mark of the Great Aletsch Glacier in the 1850's. Now the outcrop towers above the current level of the glacier. The dark line on the opposite side of the valley, where vegetation growth begins, also marks the former high mark for the glacier at the same elevation. The Great Aletsch Glacier is shrinking quickly due to global warming. It receded 4 meters from June until late July 2011, according to guides who visit the glacier several times every week. It is the Alps' longest glacier at 22.6 km (14 miles) in length. By the end of the 21st century, scientists believe the glacier will lose 80% of its current mass. At its thickest point, the glacier is still 900 meters (2,953 feet) thick top to bottom, at Konkordiaplatz in the distant sunlit meeting point of tributary glaciers, though it is roughly 400m (1312 feet) thick as it passes the Platta, where this photograph was made. Switzerland.
« less