Triftgletscher glacier, Switzerland, 2003
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Triftgletscher glacier, Switzerland, 2003
Glacial retreat. Image 2 of 2. Terminus of the Triftgletscher glacier, Switzerland, in August 2003. A glacier is a river of ice that flows down from mountain areas. The ice forms from compacted snowfall, and erodes the rock underneath it as it moves forward. The position of the terminal end of the glacier depends on the rate of melting at the terminus, versus the rate of snowfall further up the glacier. The melting forms the glacial lake seen here, which first started to form in 2001. Since 1850, glaciers have been in retreat worldwide. It is thought that global warming has accelerated this trend in recent years. See E235/340 for this glacier in 2002
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Media ID 6373443
© DR JUERG ALEAN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
2003 Alpine Alps August Climate Change Climatological Climatology Cold Frozen Glacial Glacial Retreat Glacier Glacier Retreat Glaciology Global Warming Greenhouse Effect Lake Receding Retreating Snout Switzerland Terminus Berner Oberland Glacial Recession Glacier Lake Glacier Tongue
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the Triftgletscher glacier in Switzerland during August 2003, showcasing the alarming phenomenon of glacial retreat. The image depicts the terminus of the glacier, which is essentially the end point where it meets its surroundings. Glaciers are formed from compacted snowfall and gradually erode the rock beneath them as they flow downhill. The position of a glacier's terminal end depends on various factors such as melting rates at the terminus versus snowfall further up. In this particular case, we witness a glacial lake forming due to melting that began in 2001. This stunning body of water reflects both the beauty and fragility of our environment. Since 1850, glaciers worldwide have been steadily retreating, with recent years showing an accelerated trend believed to be linked to global warming. Climate change has played a significant role in altering our planet's delicate balance, causing these majestic ice formations to recede at an unprecedented rate. Situated in Berner Oberland amidst the breathtaking Swiss Alps, this photograph serves as a poignant reminder of how human activities impact our natural world. As temperatures rise and greenhouse gas emissions continue unabatedly, we must confront these challenges head-on if we hope to preserve Earth's fragile ecosystems for future generations. Science Photo Library presents this thought-provoking image not only as a testament to nature's wonders but also as a call-to-action towards sustainable practices and greater environmental consciousness.
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