A study published on August 7, 2025 in Communications Earth & Environment (Nature group) analyzed the state of the Perito Moreno Glacier in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and detected recent signs of thinning, acceleration, and retreat of the ice front.
The study, titled The state and fate of Glaciar Perito Moreno Patagonia, used measurements of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) from a helicopter, surveys of proglacial lake bathymetry, and time series of surface elevation and velocity to reconstruct the conditions of the front and the subglacial bed.
Main Findings
- The rate of surface descent increased from 0.34 meters per year (2000–2019) to 5.5 meters per year (2019–2024).
- An acceleration of the glacier and a retreat of the front were detected.
- The historical stability of the glacier was linked to a subglacial ridge that acted as an “anchor.” Its loss could enable a faster retreat driven by buoyancy.
The report concluded that Perito Moreno shows a high sensitivity to frontal processes, which could lead it to follow a pattern similar to other Patagonian lake-discharging glaciers that already show pronounced retreats.
Methodology and Scenarios
The researchers combined specific campaigns (GPR in March 2022 and bathymetry in March 2023) with satellite products to assess changes since the year 2000.
The conceptual model presented does not set exact timelines but identifies potential retreat stages if recent thinning rates persist. The risk of retreat by “calving” favored by buoyancy when bed thresholds are exceeded is emphasized.
Ecological and Water Importance
The Perito Moreno Glacier is a pillar of water balance and vital source of fresh water:
- Freshwater reserve: feeds Lake Argentino and surrounding rivers.
- Climate balance: reflects solar radiation and helps regulate the regional climate.
- Biodiversity: provides pure water to species such as the guanaco, the Andean condor, and the huemul, which are endangered.
Scientific and Conservation Importance
- Study of climate change: its advance, retreat, and rupture phenomenon are subjects of global research.
- World Heritage: declared by UNESCO as part of Los Glaciares National Park, for its scenic beauty and geological value.
Cultural and Economic Importance
- Sustainable tourism: its rupture phenomenon attracts thousands of visitors and generates income for the region.
- Argentine identity: a symbol of Patagonian majesty, it inspires art and cultural celebrations.
Unique Phenomenon
The glacier acts as a natural dam: its advance blocks the Brazo Rico of Lake Argentino, creating a dam up to 30 meters high that eventually collapses in a unique natural spectacle in the world.
The 2025 scientific study marks a shift in the perception of the Perito Moreno Glacier, considered relatively stable for decades. The signs of thinning and retreat place it at the center of the climate change debate and reinforce the need to conserve this natural icon, which combines ecological, scientific, cultural, and economic value in Patagonia.
