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Glacial Surge - Perito Moreno


Glacial Surge - Perito Moreno
Photo Information
Copyright: James Parker (Jamesp) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1369 W: 9 N: 6334] (18906)
Genre: Landscapes
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2001-12-24
Categories: Mountain
Camera: Canon EOS 1vHS, Canon 70-200 f 2.8 L USM, Fuji Provia 100
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2010-01-31 8:31
Viewed: 6811
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 34
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Today I am posting a scanned slide of the Perito Moreno Glacier - looking from the advancing front up towards the icefield. The abrupt front is typical of an advancing glacier - and hence very rare, Glaciers with smooth snouts are retreating.

The Perito Moreno Glacier is a glacier located in the Los Glaciares National Park in the south west of Santa Cruz province, Argentina. It is one of the most important tourist attractions in the Argentine Patagonia.

The 250 km2 (97 sq mi) ice formation, and 30 km (19 mi) in length, is one of 48 glaciers fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field located in the Andes system shared with Chile. This icefield is the world's third largest reserve of fresh water.

The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of only three Patagonian glaciers that are not retreating. The terminus of the Perito Moreno Glacier is 5 kilometres (3 mi) wide, with an average height of 74 m (240 ft) above the surface of the water of Lake Argentino, in Argentina. It has a total ice depth of 170 metres (558 ft).

Periodically the glacier advances over the L-shaped "Lago Argentino" ("Argentine Lake") forming a natural dam which separates the two halves of the lake when it reaches the opposite shore. With no escape route, the water-level on the Brazo Rico side of the lake can rise by up to 30 meters above the level of the main lake. The enormous pressure produced by the height of the dammed water finally breaks the ice barrier holding it back, in a spectacular rupture event. This dam/rupture cycle is not regular and it recurs naturally at any frequency between once a year to less than once a decade.

The glacier first ruptured in 1917, taking with it an ancient forest of arrayán (Luma apiculata) trees. The last rupture occurred in July 2008, and previously in 2006, 2004, 1988, 1984, 1980, 1977, 1975, 1972, 1970, 1966, 1963, 1960, 1956, 1953, 1952, 1947, 1940, 1934 and 1917. It ruptures, on average, about every four to five years.

The Perito Moreno glacier, located 78 kilometres (48 mi) from El Calafate, was named after the explorer Francisco Moreno, a pioneer who studied the region in the 19th century and played a major role in defending the territory of Argentina in the conflict surrounding the international border dispute with Chile.
jhm, Adanac, nasokoun, nglen, manyee, siggi, CeltickRanger, jaycee, Dis. Ac., Miss_Piggy, xTauruSx, boreocypriensis, horia has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Fantastic picture of the glacier.
Picture with very strong composition and
a very well exposed image.
Thanks
Nazir

  • Great 
  • jhm Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 893 W: 0 N: 507] (1853)
  • [2010-01-31 9:04]

Hello James,

You play nice with light and shadow, this gives a good composition.
Also a nice depth view about the glacier.
very well done, TFS.

Warmest regards,
John.

Hi James,

You have captured a fantastic glacier scene. My English don't help me to explain all of my feelings about this shot. I can never see with my own eyes a panaroma like this. Such a wonderful post. Bravo and TFS.

Greetings

  • Great 
  • Adanac Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1273 W: 1 N: 6188] (21378)
  • [2010-01-31 9:36]

What a great shot James the ruggedness of this glacier is incredible. The scene is so magnificent and you have done well to capture it. thank you.
Rick

hello James,
like Antarctic, hard landscape, the colors tones are very good in this fine composition, fine photo output!
keep photographing! TFS
Nasos

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2883 W: 30 N: 9683] (36145)
  • [2010-01-31 9:49]

Hi James. You must have seen so many beautiful places on this planet of ours. This looks such a silent place . I would think it is also very cold with frezing winds. You have taken this from a good POV looking staight at the Glacier. Fine detail with blue colours. well taken TFS.
Nick..

  • Great 
  • siggi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3097 W: 109 N: 12399] (52850)
  • [2010-01-31 12:28]

Hello James,
Impressive view of this glaciar. Excellent colour contrast, pov and composition.
Best regards Siggi

hello James

excellent atmosphere photo of these Mountain Glaciers,
with fine POV, the foreground being againts daylight (en contre-jour)
excellent play of shadows and highlights of the cold colour tones,

TFS

Asbed

  • Great 
  • lousat Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 6595 W: 89 N: 15659] (65489)
  • [2010-01-31 14:23]

Hi James,this pic no need comments...it's enough to see and stay whit the mouth open...a fantastic scenary taken at the best! My greats compliments for the interesting note too,have a nice week,Luciano

  • Great 
  • jaycee Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2454 W: 10 N: 8044] (25460)
  • [2010-01-31 15:43]

Hi James,

A wonderful scene from your travels. It is truly an awesome sight. A magnificent view of the glacier in all of its glory. The vastness of the area reminds me of the Grand Canyon.

Jane

  •      
  • Dis. Ac. Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1824 W: 5 N: 7663] (24509)
  • [2010-01-31 23:24]

Hello James,

so you are one man that see a lot on this planet.
Great shot from this glacier with good pov and fine colours.

Gert

Hallo James
I am a bit scarce around the site at the moment, please pardon my short note. I do agree with Gert that you are very fortunate to see a lot of our planet called Earth. Wow, the Perito Moreno Glacier is indeed striking and all that one can see is ice, ice and more ice. The wide open space is beautifully and looks refreshing. Thanks for sharing. Best regards.
Anna

Hello James,
Excellent scene shot of a glacier with great exposure and composition.
TFS and Regards,
Deniz

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5137 W: 166 N: 13121] (49139)
  • [2010-02-01 1:04]

Hello James,
It must be very impressive to see this masterpiece of nature. Something you never forget. Perfect POV and composition. Very beautiful colours and DOF.
Regards,
Peter

Hi Bro James,

Wow, what a view! Looks like such a freezing place to be:)
Great scene and notes, as always you do.
TFS and have nice day and new week!
Cheers,

Bayram

  • Great 
  • horia Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2158 W: 224 N: 4749] (16656)
  • [2010-02-01 7:09]

This is breathtaking James!
What a terrific capture here! I'm really happy you decided to share this with us and i also understand why this glacier is such a huge tourist attraction in Argentina.
Your shot here, the angle it's taken form and the frontal subject it presents, are simply outstanding. This abrupt front (typical as you say it is) looks majestic and seeing what's behind it and how long it goes on for its making me shiver. The view and the perspective are, as i said, breathtaking.
Wonderful work, my friend, in all aspects!
Bravo and TFS
Horia

Hi James.
Wonderful image.I newer see a glacier.
Interesting colors and form.
Best greetings.Alin.

Bien captada la inmensidad de este famoso glaciar.
Plasmada la profundidad con naturalidad y bellos colores. Saludos.

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