1. Location

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.

The glacier is at South America.

1.1 Table example

Summary of mean annual, daily, and monthly ranges of meteorological data obtained between 1996 and 2020.

Units Mean Daily range Monthly range
T C 6.71 -7.01 to 19.29 0.12 — 11.96
RH % 67.1 23.9 to 98 52.8 — 85.9
Rs W/m2 128 0 to 383.8 19.4 — 267.7
U m/s 4.1 0 to 14.1 0.9 — 6.6
Ud deg 257 0 to 346 247 — 264
Pr mm 943 0 to 79.7 3.4 — 262.4

(Data from Climate and Surface Mass Balance at Glaciar Perito Moreno, Southern Patagonia, article)

1.2 Image example

There are beautiful images taken to the clacier and the ice bridge.

Turismo sayhueque
Bridge of the glacier over the lake.
National Geographic
Bridge of the glacier braking.
From cited article
Map of SIR-C/X-SAR-der¡ved magnitude of ice velocity on the terminus of GPM.
Photo by Luca Galuzzi (2005)
Front view of the glacier from trail.

Southern Patagonian Ice Field

Is the world's second largest contiguous extrapolar ice field. It is the bigger of two remnant parts of the Patagonian Ice Sheet, which covered all of southern Chile during the last glacial period, locally called the Llanquihue glaciation.

Perito Moreno Glacier

2. Climate Change

The impact of climate change on glaciers like the Perito Moreno is a growing concern.

Rising temperatures and global warming accelerate the melting of glaciers, leading to rising sea levels and disrupting the delicate balance of ecosystems.

Therefore, preserving and conserving glaciers, such as the Perito Moreno, is of utmost importance in mitigating the impacts of climate change and securing water resources for present and future generations.

1985

2016

2021

The Perito Moreno Glacier has generally maintained its mass over the past 50 years, experiencing minimal gains or losses. However, recent studies reveal concerning trends, indicating a retreat in the glacier’s size and an increase in melting due to the rising temperatures associated with climate change.

The ongoing research on the Perito Moreno Glacier is essential for deepening our understanding of how glaciers respond to climate change and the potential consequences for our planet. By analyzing the glacier’s mass balance, scientists can assess the impact on water resources, ecosystems, and the surrounding environment.

02/2025.