FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 10, 19 March 1952, Page 5

FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER

For nearly 60 years geologist have recorded the movements of the terminal face and the changes of the ice level of the Franz Josef Glacier. These have recently been brought up to date, and from tbe records and observations a means of forecasting the changes is tentatively put forward. A geologist of the Department of Scientific ixnd Industrial Research has reported up to March 1951 on the movements of the terminal face and changes of ice level of the Franz Josef Glacier since 1940, when the previous record was completed. During recent years the retreat and ad/ance of the terminal face of the glacier has been particularly great. From 1934 to 1946 it retreated to the extent of 50 chains; in the middle of 1947 the terminal face began to advance when a high face of ice developed by the over-riding of the upper ice on the lov/er. Rapid advance took place, and in one peliod the terminal face moved forward over twenty-one feet in seven days. It has remained at the present position since October 1950 and shows a total advance since 1947 of fifeteen chains. The rainfall figures of Ross and Hokitika districts suggest that advances of the glacier are due to periods of high precipitation — and retreats to low precipitation — the effects being seen at the terminal face about five years later. The balance between the amount of ice now being* brought down the glacier and the amount lost by melting determines whether the terbiinal face advances, remains static, or retreats. The present drop in level of the glacier indicates that less ice is now being transported, and further advance is unlikely — some retreat of the terminal face would appear probable from the rainfall records of the last five years.