Glacier Fluctuation in the Alps 1947–48

In the summer of 1948 heavy precipitation caused an increase of the snow reservoirs in the upper reaches of the glaciers, but rain at lower levels caused the general process of ablation to continue although at somewhat lessened speed. Some glaciers even re-advanced. Dr. P-L. Mercanton in his report* shows that during 1948 13 per cent of the glaciers had advanced, 10 per cent were stationary and 77 per cent were in recession. In 1947 the respective percentage figures were 0, 2 and 98.†