Photo 3351: Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina

This struck me as an extraordinary sight when I first saw it due to its combination of lush vegetation thriving next to a massive glacier in a harsh and mountainous wilderness. According to Wikipedia, it is one of the few unusual glaciers that maintains in a state of equilibrium because it continues to accumulate mass at a rate similar to that of its loss. The reason remains debated by glaciologists. I have tried to find out if this fact still remains true in today's worsening climate situation but so far have not found confirmation. In any event, there is no doubt this glacier is still an awesome sight in a stunning wilderness area.

My wife and I feel very fortunate to have been able spend a few days in this particular area in 2017, trekking and enjoying the stunning Andean landscapes. If you are wondering why glacier ice is blue it is because because the red (long wavelengths) part of white light is absorbed by ice and the blue (short wavelengths) light is transmitted and scattered. The longer the path light travels in ice, the more blue it appears.