Climate scientists blame global warming for the retreating Rhône Glacier, source of the River Rhône, now melting in summer below the Furka Pass in Valais canton, Switzerland, at an altitude of about 2,208 m (7,244 ft). In 1850, a tongue of ice extended well down the side of the mountain before melting in the valley below. The glacier flows for 7.65 km (4.75 mi) from high Urner Alps snow fields at about 30 to 40 m (100 to 130 ft) per year. The torrent flowing from the melt water lake begins the river’s 813 km (505 mi) journey through southern France to the Mediterranean.

Climate scientists blame global warming for the retreating Rhône Glacier, source of the River Rhône, now melting in summer below the Furka Pass in Valais canton, Switzerland, at an altitude of about 2,208 m (7,244 ft). In 1850, a tongue of ice extended well down the side of the mountain before melting in the valley below. The glacier flows for 7.65 km (4.75 mi) from high Urner Alps snow fields at about 30 to 40 m (100 to 130 ft) per year. The torrent flowing from the melt water lake begins the river’s 813 km (505 mi) journey through southern France to the Mediterranean.

Terence Kerr / Alamy Stock Photo

Image ID: 2CEG90B

Rhône Glacier, Valais canton, Switzerland: scientists blame climate change caused by global warming for the fact that the retreating glacier, the source of Europe’s mighty River Rhône, now melts in summer below the Furka Pass at an altitude of about 2,208 m (7,244 ft). In 1850, a tongue of ice used to extend well down the side of the mountain before finally melting in the valley basin far below. The deeply fissured glacier progresses at about 30 to 40 m (100 to 130 ft) per year for 7.65 km (4.75 mi) from snow fields high in the Urner Alps before it reaches the melt water lake. The torrent flowing out of it tumbles into the valley to begin the river’s 813 km (505 mi) journey to the Mediterranean via southern France and the Camargue delta. D0870.B0420.R

Location: Rhône Glacier, Valais canton, Switzerland