During our visit to the Rhonegletscher on 5.7.2019, we paid special attention to glacial striae>, 3032 and 18. We were able to make the following observations:
Glacier tongue
The
glacier tongue has flattened further in the last 12 months and has retreated further.
Glacier tongue of Rhone glacier on 5.7.2019.
A special indentation has formed in the
glacier tongue. It is conceivable that the foremost part of the ice lies on a rock.
Flattened glacier tongue of the Rhone glacier on 5.7.2019 from above.
Glacial lake (Proglacial lake)
On 5.7.2019 the glacier lake was largely ice-free.
Glacial lake in front of the Rhone glacier on 5.7.2019.
Glacier cover
The covers have slowed down the rate at which the ice melts, but have not completely prevented it.
Cover of the Rhone glacier on 22.7.2019.
This image shows the size of the area which is covered with foils. The current ice grotto is located under the left part of the covers.
Cover of the Rhonegletscher on 22.7.2019 from above.
There is still some snow on the covers (right picture part, vertical approx. in the middle). The slightly brownish coloration comes from Sahara dust.
Snow situation
On 5.7.2019 large areas in the lower part of the Rhonegletscher had already been emptied. This means that the snow protecting the ice has already melted.
Snow situation at the Rhone glacier on 5.7.2019.
Roche moutonnée
In front of the Rhone glacier you can admire some very beautiful roche moutonnée.
Roche moutonnée in front of the Rhone Glacier.
This roche moutonnée was formed by ice flowing from right to left. The rock must have withstood incredible forces.
Crecentic gouges
At a closer look, one can discover so-called 3032 at different places in the glacial polish.
Crecentic gouges in front of the Rhone glacier.
In the example above, the ice flowed from top right to bottom left.
Glacial striae
Fine
glacial striae can be seen on the
glacier polish.
Fine glacial striae on glacial polish in front of the Rhone glacier on 5.7.2019.
In the example above, the ice flowed from left to right.
Glacial polish
The disappearing ice in front of the Rhone glacier has exposed very beautiful
glacier polish formations in recent years.
Glacial polish in front of the Rhone glacier.
Published:
03.08.2019