Observations on the Glaciers of the Ruwenzori

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Authors: Whittow, J. B., Shepherd, A., Goldthorpe, J. E., Temple, P. H.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1963
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Mount Baker; Mount Stanley; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000028124; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000028124

Abstract The glaciological work of six expeditions from Makerere University College to the Ruwenzori between December 1957 and July 1961 is described and some results are given. The history of glaciological research in the Ruwenzori mountain range is outlined and the present ice distribution is described. A variety of evidence is presented to illustrate the pattern of change over the last 50 years, and all the glaciers examined are shown to have been drastically reduced in size, with an apparent acceleration in melting since the 1940’s. Six glaciers are known to have disappeared completely, whilst several others have split into smaller units. A detailed survey of the Speke Glacier on Mount Speke was made, and calculations show that if the present trends continue all the ice below 4,573 in. on Mount Speke can he expected to disappear within the next 40 years. The Elena and Savoia Glaciers on Mount Stanley and the Moore Glacier on Mount Baker are described, and recessional rates for each glacier are calculated. Measurements of the ice movement of the Elena Glacier demonstrate that it is still a fairly active glacier, although the Moore Glacier is thought to be completely stagnant. Other scientific measurements of glaciological significance include subglacial temperatures for the Elena Glacier, melt-water flow rates from the Speke Glacier and solar radiation measurements for several stations near the Ruwenzori ice margins.