Perito Moreno Glacier terminus and Brazo Rico discharge, Argentina
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Perito Moreno Glacier terminus and Brazo Rico discharge, Argentina

by Evan Miles

The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the few glaciers in Patagonia not yet retreating due to climate change, but this is due to its particular dynamic situation. The glacier terminates in Lago Argentino, where it has pushed across the connection between the Brazo Rico and the main lake. The ice is continually advancing to this position where it occasionally blocks all connectivity between the two lake segments (forming an ice dam). When this happens, the Brazo Rico water level rises until the water ruptures the block, forming a large stream and reconnecting the two portions of the lake. Here, the terminus and the stream channel connecting Brazo Rico to Lago Argentino are visible.