Geology excursion into Turtmann Valley

Since the 1850s, corresponding to the end of the Little Ice Age (1350 - 1850 AD), the Alpine glaciers have undergone major changes as a result of the gradual warming of the climate. Since the 1990s and the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, the climate has started to warm up significantly.

The Turtmann and Brunegg Glaciers are invaluable witnesses to this global change. Their spectacular retreat illustrates what +1°C of global warming (and +2°C for Switzerland) has meant for more than a century.
From a geomorphological point of view, the landscape abandoned by the glaciers is full of their tracks such as moraines, boulders and glacial striations.

The glacier also experienced a spectacular serac fracture in 2020, providing an opportunity to explore issues relating to natural hazards in the changing Alps.

The excursion begins at an altitude of 1,900 meters with a 3km climb to the dam at 2,200 meters.
We will then explore the area formerly occupied by the Turtmann glacier in search of clues to its glaciological history over the last 150 years.

Registration is required by 4.00 p.m. on Friday. The number of participants is limited.