Patagonia Glacier retreat, Chile – NASA Science

Patagonia, Chile. Left: September 18, 1986. On the right: August 5, 2002. The image of 1986 shows the region before a major glaciers retirement. The image of 2002 shows a retirement of almost 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) of the glacier on the left side. The smallest glacier on the right fell more than 2 kilometers (1.2 mile). In front of the smallest glacier, two ribbon lakes were formed behind the debris left by the advance of the glacier. Scientists and government directors use satellite images like this to monitor the retreat of glaciers and the impact on the water bodies caused by changes in the size and direction of glaciers. Left image taken by the thematic mapping sensor on board Landsat 5. Right image taken by the Gallery of Landsat Thematic Make over Improved on board Landsat 7. Source: USGS Landsat Missions Gallery, “Patagonia Region – Retreering Glaciers”, “US Department of the Interior / US Geological Survey.