Morteratsch Glacier is fast melting by 30 meters (98 feet) per year (1999–2005) in Switzerland.

A sign marks the extent of Morteratsch Glacier in 1920, showing fast retreat. Morteratsch Glacier (Romansh: Vadret da Morteratsch) flows from the Bernina massif in Upper Engadine, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. From 1878-1998, Morteratsch Glacier retreated 1.8 kilometers (1.1 miles). Melting accelerated to 30 meters (98 feet) per year from 1999–2005. An overwhelming consensus of world scientists agree that global warming is indeed happening and humans are contributing to it through emission of heat-trapping "greenhouse gases," primarily carbon dioxide (see www.ucsusa.org). Since the industrial revolution began, humans have increased atmospheric CO2 concentration by 35% (through burning of fossil fuels, deforesting land, and grazing livestock). A favorite walk is from Morteratsch (second train stop from Pontresina towards Bernina Pass) to Refuge Boval, which has a restaurant and overnight lodging. The trail is well graded, 5 or 6 miles round trip with 2700 feet gain. Return via lower trail for partial loop. The Swiss valley of Engadine translates as the “garden of the En (or Inn) River” (Engadin in German, Engiadina in Romansh, Engadina in Italian).

Add to Cart Add to Lightbox Download

Filename: 05ALP_6007-Morteratsch-Glacier.jpg
Copyright: © Tom Dempsey / PhotoSeek.com
Image Size: 4500x3375 / 5.1MB; http://www.photoseek.com/; Engadin Engadina Engadine Engiadina Graubünden Grigioni Grischun Grisons Romansh outdoor mountain nature snow ice

A sign marks the extent of Morteratsch Glacier in 1920, showing fast retreat. Morteratsch Glacier (Romansh: Vadret da Morteratsch) flows from the Bernina massif in Upper Engadine, Switzerland, the Alps, Europe. From 1878-1998, Morteratsch Glacier retreated 1.8 kilometers (1.1 miles). Melting accelerated to 30 meters (98 feet) per year from 1999–2005. An overwhelming consensus of world scientists agree that global warming is indeed happening and humans are contributing to it through emission of heat-trapping "greenhouse gases," primarily carbon dioxide (see www.ucsusa.org). Since the industrial revolution began, humans have increased atmospheric CO2 concentration by 35% (through burning of fossil fuels, deforesting land, and grazing livestock). A favorite walk is from Morteratsch (second train stop from Pontresina towards Bernina Pass) to Refuge Boval, which has a restaurant and overnight lodging. The trail is well graded, 5 or 6 miles round trip with 2700 feet gain. Return via lower trail for partial loop. The Swiss valley of Engadine translates as the “garden of the En (or Inn) River” (Engadin in German, Engiadina in Romansh, Engadina in Italian).