Argentina Travel: The Advance and Retreat of the Moreno Glacier

Located in the beautiful glacial landscapes of Argentinean Patagonia, the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares (Glaciers National Park), is the second largest in Argentina, covering over 660,000 ha. Filled with giant ice fields that straddle the border of Chile, this park is an amzing destination if you are looking to immerse yourself in pristine nature, and get away from everything.

13 of the 47 major glaciers that comprise the area descend into the park to feed two main lakes, Lago Viedma and Lago Argentino. The major attraction in this park is the massive Moreno Glacier, which travelers can hike, trek or kayak on.

Glaciers are generally described by scientists as being retreating, advancing, or stable. However, even a retreating glacier will continue to slightly move forward. The frontage or snout of the glaciers retreats as it is melting or breaking at a faster rate than the movement forward. The Moreno glacier is frequently said to be in retreat because of global warming, however, this statement is not necessarily accurate and should be treated with caution. In actuality, the Moreno glacier has been believed to be stable by glaciologists since 1988, as its rates of forward movement and break up have reached a rough equilibrium.

People generally say that the Moreno Glacier is retreating because it stopped blocking the Brazo Rio. However, nobody knows why it started doing so in the first place. One theory is that it was pushed forward by another unknown glacier on the Campo de Hielos Sur. If that is the case, the Moreno is not retreating but simply resumed its former natural movement. The theory of global warming could still be applied to the unknown glacier that was believe to be the pushing force as it apparently stopped it movement.

In any case, the Moreno glacier is still one of the most majestic ones in the area and definitely worth the trip. Come enjoy this spectacular sight before it is too late!

This guide to the Moreno Glacier in Argentine Patagonia was written by an Argentina travel expert at Argentina For Less available to help you custom design your exciting Argentina vacations.