I was inspired by this old image – probably 100 years old – of the Glacier Blanc in the Ecrins. The image hangs above the reception of the Refuge du Glacier Blanc and shows the old Tuckett refuge with the Glacier Blanc behind it.

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We are all aware of glacial retreat – probably caused by Anthropogenic Global Warming – but quantifying or visualising this progressive reduction in glacial mass is difficult.

I hiked to the refuge to recreate the image to allow a comparison:-

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The difference is striking. The sea of ice which once flowed past the hut is now a thin white line in the distance; a 45 minute walk away.

Side-by-side images make the comparison easier:-

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The ice has been replaced by a rock valley and waterfalls of meltwater which are around 100m in height. The refuge is now surrounded by vegetation; possibly due the the increased temperatures being favorable to plant growth.

I continued to the glacier to capture images of the remaining ice.

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At the end of the glacier blocks of ice fall off and melt.

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Glaciers are surprisingly “dirty”, covered in rocks and grit which have been eroded off the mountains by the action of the glacier or fallen from the surrounding peaks.

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The final image captures the last rays of light as the sun set behind the Pointe Serre Soubyran casting the glacier in shadow.

Whilst the night brings respite from the sun the average temperature remains above zero so the glacier continues to melt.