Activity 2.2 – Cryrosphere: Furtwängler Glacier



 Activity 2.2 – Cryosphere: Furtwängler Glacier, Tanzania


image taken by Stefan Hastenrath 14 August 1973, and published in his book The Glaciers of Equatorial East Africa (1984), Kluwer Academic Publishers (image is a composite of Photo 4.1:17b and 4.1:17c). 


 image taken 26 July 2002. "Analysis of aerial photographs taken 16 February 2000 indicates that the area decreased by half in 24 years, to 60,000 m2 (Henry Brecher, pers. comm. and Thompson et al. in Science, 18 October 2002), and then by more than half again to October 2012 (25,000 m2; D. Hardy data). Particularly dramatic changes took place on the Furtwängler in 2003 and 2004."




                                              Image taken from: https://earth.google.com

Problem

The Furtwängler Glacier, named after the German conductor Wilhelm Furtwängler, is located on the northeastern slope of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. While it is not the largest glacier on the mountain, it has gained significant attention due to its rapid decline in recent years. 

Like many glaciers around the world, the Furtwängler Glacier is experiencing the effects of climate change. Rising temperatures have caused the glacier to melt at an alarming rate. Over the past century, it has lost more than 80% of its original size. This loss is primarily due to the retreat of the glacier's ice tongue, which has been steadily shrinking since the early 20th century.

The retreat of the Furtwängler Glacier has been accompanied by several noticeable occurrences. One significant change is the formation of large crevasses on the glacier's surface. These crevasses, which are deep cracks in the ice, pose a danger to climbers and hikers attempting to traverse the glacier. As the ice becomes thinner and more unstable, the risk of falling through a crevasse increases.

Another occurrence related to the glacier's decline is the increase in rockfalls and landslides. As the ice melts and retreats, it exposes unstable rock formations, which are prone to collapsing. This poses a significant hazard to those in the vicinity of the glacier, including climbers attempting to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The melting of the Furtwängler Glacier also has implications for the local ecosystem. The glacier acts as a crucial water source for nearby communities, providing a steady supply of freshwater during the dry season. As the glacier continues to shrink, the availability of water decreases, leading to potential water shortages and agricultural challenges for the surrounding areas.

Explanation

The decline of the Furtwängler Glacier has a symbolic significance. Mount Kilimanjaro is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a prominent landmark in Africa. The presence of glaciers on the mountain has long been a symbol of its ecological diversity and grandeur. The disappearance of these glaciers not only represents the loss of a natural wonder but also serves as a stark reminder of the global climate crisis.

Efforts have been made to document and monitor the changes occurring in the Furtwängler Glacier. Scientists use various techniques such as satellite imagery, ground-based measurements, and ice core analysis to better understand the glacier's behavior and predict future changes. This data is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change and preserve the remaining glaciers on Mount Kilimanjaro.

The Furtwängler Glacier on Mount Kilimanjaro is facing significant problems and occurrences due to climate change. Its rapid decline, characterized by the retreat of the ice tongue, the formation of crevasses, increased rockfalls, and landslides, has far-reaching consequences. The local ecosystem, water supply, and cultural significance of the glacier are all affected. It serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and protect our natural wonders for future generations.


Citations/Refrences: 

        Furtwangler Glacier: 1973, 2002 & 2012. (n.d.). Retrieved January 30, 2024, from https://www.geo.umass.edu/climate/tanzania/furtwangler.html

https://earth.google.com/?source=sh%2Fx%2Fuk%2Fm1%2F1&kgs=18aaff162bb3327a

Furtw

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