 EPOD - a service of USRA

The Earth Science Picture of the Day (EPOD) highlights the diverse processes
and phenomena which shape our planet and our lives. EPOD will collect and
archive photos, imagery, graphics, and artwork with short explanatory
captions and links exemplifying features within the Earth system. The
community is invited to contribute digital imagery, short captions and
relevant links.


 Archive - Gurgler Glacier

   October 02, 2021
    6a0105371bb32c970b01b7c85d7cfd970b

   Every weekend we present a notable item from our archives.

   This EPOD was originally published May 23, 2016.
   Photographer:  Klaus Sandforth
   Summary Author:  Klaus Sandforth

    May 2016 Viewer's Choice Shown above are several ski
   mountaineers entering the  Gurgler Glacier in the  Ötztaler Alpen
   (Eastern Alps) of Austria. What looks at first sight like a classic
    glacier snout is  dead ice of the retreating Gurgler Glacier,
   not far from  Schalfkogel Peak, where the group is heading to climb.
   Dead ice is forming in  receding glacial environments, where
   distinct ice bodies get separated from the main glacier. Note the
   slightly stratified but mostly crystal clear ice here. The rippled
   surface texture might be caused by differential melting and
    sublimation due to warm air currents, particularly in spring and
   summer. The surface of the ice is perfectly smooth and appears to
   be polished. This structure is rather temporary and fragile as it
   developed only a few years ago and will likely fade away just as
   quickly. Our passage might seem dangerous, but during the winter season
   when temperatures are generally below freezing level, it’s a pretty
   safe place to stay.
   Like many  glaciers in the Alps, the Gurgler Glacier lost much of
   its mass in the last 150 years and is now  retreating on average a
   few tens of meters every year.  Climate change and glacier retreat
   in the Alps has both  ecological and economical impacts. Glaciers
   attract tourists and also provide natural water reservoirs and
    hydropower. Photo taken on March 17, 2015.
   Photo Details: Apple iPhone 4S back camera; 35 mm focal length; ƒ/2.4
   aperture;  1/1126 sec. exposure; ISO 50.
     * Gurgler Glacier, Austria Coordinates: 46.8193, 10.9756

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Cryosphere Links

     *  Guide to Frost
     *  What is the Cryosphere?
     *  Bentley Snow Crystals
     *  Glaciers of the World
     *  Ice, Snow, and Glaciers: The Water Cycle
     *  The National Snow and Ice Data Center Google Earth Images
     *  Snow and Ice Crystals

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   Earth Science Picture of the Day is a service of the  Universities
   Space Research Association.

https://epod.usra.edu
 
