Franz_Josef_Glacier Franz_Josef_Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier - Definition and Overview
Related Words: Calf, Cryosphere, Floe, Glaciation, Glaze, Ice
Franz Josef glacier photographed from the valley floor.

The Franz Josef is a glacier located in Westland National Park on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. It descends from the Southern Alps to just 250 metres above sea level amidst the greenery and lushness of a temperate rainforest. It was named after the Austrian emperor by the German explorer, Julius_von_Haast in 1865. Since then it has retreated several kilometres from the terminal point observed by Haast. However since 1985 it has begun to advance again, moving forward at about 70 cm a day. Like the nearby Fox_Glacier, it is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world, being only a 10 minute walk from the nearby car park.

Franz Josef glacier slides forward at rates up to 10 times faster than most valley glaciers.
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Franz Josef glacier slides forward at rates up to 10 times faster than most valley glaciers.

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