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21-JUN-2013

The Morteratsch Glacier

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The Morteratsch Glacier (romansh: Vadret da Morteratsch) is the largest glacier by area in the Bernina Range of the Bündner Alps in Switzerland.
It is, just after the Pasterze Glacier and Gepatschferner, the third largest and by volume (1.2 km3) the most massive glacier in the eastern alps. The Morteratsch Glacier is a typical valley glacier with a pronounced ice front. The accumulation zone lies between the peaks of Piz Morteratsch, Piz Bernina, Crast' Agüzza, Piz Argient, Piz Zupò and Bellavista. From Piz Argient to the ice front in the Val Morteratsch, its horizontal extent is about ~7 km (4.3 mi), with an altitude difference of up to 2,000 m (6,600 ft). Together with the Pers Glacier, originating at Piz Palü, which joins the Morteratsch just below the rock formation Isla Persa ("Lost Isle"), it covers an area of about 16 km2 (6.2 sq mi). The volume of the ice is estimated to be about 1.2 km3. The Morteratsch Glacier drains through Inn River and Danube into the Black Sea.
In spring, depending on the snow conditions, a 10-km-long ski-run accessible to skilled skiers is marked on the glacier. It leads from the Diavolezza aerial tramway terminus to the Morteratsch inn and has an altitude difference of 1,100 m (3,600 ft). The RhB Station Morteratsch used to be situated directly at the ice front of the glacier. The ice front has receded over 1,800 m (5,900 ft) in the meantime, and cannot be seen from the station today.
Yearly length change measurements have been recorded since 1878. For the period to 1998, the overall retreat was over 1.8 km (1.1 mi) with a mean annual retreat rate of approximately 17.2 m (56 ft) per year. This long-term average has markedly increased in recent years, receding 30 m (98 ft) per year from 1999–2005. Substantial retreat was ongoing through 2006 as well.

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George McCarten04-Sep-2013 02:01
A rich mountain image, and thank you for the report on the glacier's retreat.
François Fauchard20-Aug-2013 13:03
It's very beautiful, with this person in the corner. V
hotsytotsy07-Aug-2013 19:06
~V~ A significant image !! The view you show here
has depth and beauty. Wow !! hxxx
carlogalliani04-Aug-2013 13:15
Superbe !
Jim Flavin04-Aug-2013 12:00
Wonderful photo of a wonderful place
Guest 04-Aug-2013 01:42
The view on the snow-covered mountains is amazing, V!
Bill Klein03-Aug-2013 00:40
Superb shot, Jose! V!
Martin02-Aug-2013 20:18
Wonderful scene, fab shot!
Irene Wehrli02-Aug-2013 18:53
Wow - beautiful!
Irene
Walter Otto Koenig02-Aug-2013 14:58
Certainly an impressive view. What a great place. "V"
Martin Lamoon02-Aug-2013 12:52
Brilliant, wonderful view.v
Marcia Colelli02-Aug-2013 12:40
Gorgeous scene. Nice capture V
Jim Coffman02-Aug-2013 12:38
Stunning beauty in this gorgeous capture.
Neal Nye02-Aug-2013 11:04
A beautiful view. I wonder if the glacier will someday disappear entirely.
Yvonne02-Aug-2013 11:00
Lovely contrast with the green foreground and wonderful view of the alps, very interesting information Jose! v
Stephanie02-Aug-2013 10:39
What a gorgeous place for a walk! :) V
John Hamers02-Aug-2013 10:20
Beautiful capture of this impressive glacier !!V
Tom LeRoy02-Aug-2013 09:13
A awesome view, the glacier is spectacular. I agree with Brian on the climate change issue. V
Graeme02-Aug-2013 09:07
I can imagine that these mountains are such a wonderful to see with the naked eye, Jose!! BV
laine02-Aug-2013 08:46
an outstanding view of those marvellous mountains
marie-jose wolff02-Aug-2013 06:40
fantastic view of this ompressive glacier! V
Gerard Koehl02-Aug-2013 06:16
Magnifique vue sur ce beau glacier. V
Shmuel Halevi02-Aug-2013 04:49
Very nice image.
Guest 02-Aug-2013 04:13
A magnificent scene. The increased rate of retreat of the glacier
is concerning if it is due to climate change.
fotabug02-Aug-2013 03:32
Oh my, what a wonderful , awesome scene! Breathtaking! V
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