Franz Josef Glacier: |
Looking right at the terminal ice face |
Every few minutes, large blocks of ice fall from this face.
Keep behind the ribbons set up by DOC staff.
This photo was obtained from the top of a kame mound the face of the glacier was approaching. Ice fell from the face into the gap, but could not climb the mound. This protective arrangement is not always present and to get near the terminal face at ground level is not smart. (Standing on the mound was certified safe by DOC on this particular day).
For people on the mound, the crash occurred without warning and was very noisy, but only when the ice hit the ground. Up to then - silence. If you were under the face, the first thing you would know about the ice fall would be having a chat to St Peter at the Pearly Gates.
Glacier lovers, note the ice banding.
Photography by John Wattie, 1994
This picture has been used on Schering, ING and Green Peace calendars.
The title picture was used on New Zealand Hidden Places calendar.
