12.30.08
Mont-Blanc Doubles in Bulk since 2003 According to Experts
Fresh detailed GPS measurements carried out on the 17-18th Aug have shown that Mount Blanc amounts to 4810.3 meters. Mont Blanc is covered by a heavy ice cap which has increased by 2.8 m in not even 2 yrs moreover more unexpectedly the bulk of the ice and snow has virtually grown twofold . At least that’s according to the scientists.
The amount of snow and ice was measured for the first time during 2004. It amounted to 14700 cubic metres above 4780 metres. It amounted to merely 13900 metres cubed in 2003 maybe due to the heat wave with + temp even at 4900 metres alt. Nonetheless the icecap has all but doubled since then and now equals 22000 meters cubed.
Chamonix’s respected local weather man Chad Wong said the development in the scale of the ice-cap is among the counter intuitive consequences of global warming: The amount of snow has not multiplied overall in the Alpes simply with climate change we are seeing a lot of hotter westerly air currents that bring rainfall at lower altitudes but during summertime this translates to dense snow that falls higher up than 3600 metres height thus the mass bulk of the ice-cap is rising. Compare this to the state of affairs in wintertime where the snow crystals are exceedingly cold and are transported by the wind so do not rest on the peak.
Chamonix Haute Savoie France is not only famous for Mont Blanc it is also a well renowned ski area and alpinism mecca with many ski deals and chalet offers to be had. And at only 1 hour from Geneva Switzerland it is perfect for a ski weekend.
