Morteratsch Glacier
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| Morteratsch Glacier | |
|---|---|
| Type | Valley glacier |
| Location | Bernina Range, Switzerland |
| Coordinates | |
| Area | 16 km² (incl. Pers Glacier) |
| Length | 7 km |
| Terminus | Moraine |
| Status | Retreating |
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 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 ca. 7 km, with an altitude difference of up to 2.000 m. 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. 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 1100 m. Along the run, which takes about 1-2 hours, spectacular panoramic views of the glacier and the valley arise. The RhB Station Morteratsch used to be situated directly at the ice front of the glacier. Since the beginning of the yearly length change measurements in 1878 till 1998 the overall retreat accounts for a total of over 1.8 km with a mean annual retreat rate of approximately 17.2 m/y. This long-term average was markedly surpassed in recent years receding 30 m/y from 1999-2005. Substantial retreat was ongoing through 2006 as well.[1]
[edit] Cited references
- ^ Glaciers online: Morteratsch. Glaciers online. Retrieved on January 18, 2007.
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